Sean Dyche says Everton must “keep doing the right things” to maintain broader positive performances but acknowledged the need to add the finer details in front of goal.
The Blues were on the wrong side of a 3-1 scoreline against West Ham United last week at Goodison Park, despite generating 22 shots - 11 of which were on target.
Dominant attacking displays without the warranted reward have been a familiar outcome for Everton on too many occasions this season, and a source of frustration for Dyche who admitted he’d never seen a disparity quite like the Blues’ current one between their Premier League xG (40.7) and actual goals return (29).
“That’s why I have mentioned it (xG) more this season, because I have never seen it in my time” explained Dyche in Thursday’s press conference, held at Finch Farm. “Not as powerful as that (the difference between the two figures). It’s an intriguing one, and a conundrum for me, the staff and players to work out. But consistency is still the key for me.
“We are showing the right signs, everyone knows that. But the frustration is actually taking the moment. We are getting into key areas in key moments, and the story of the season so far really is not taking chances but, as I always reference, it is a team responsibility.
“It’s not about one player. Obviously, generally, strikers are referenced, but it is a team responsibility - other people are getting chances as well. And we have got to keep doing that, that’s for sure.
"That is another challenge because it is not easy to create a lot of good chances in football, but we are doing that. So we have got to at least maintain that and add the detail in the final moment.”
Up next for Everton is a trip to Old Trafford on Saturday to take on Manchester United (12.30pm GMT).
Dyche acknowledged that’s set to be a tough test for his side, but expects another head-strong performance from the group who he believes has remained steadfast in their attitude and mentality throughout his time at the Club, despite several significant setbacks.
“The players have been nice and bright today [in training], they are certainly putting a shift in”, he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the players here, for what they have been through over the last few seasons. When I got here, there was constant negativity everywhere. They managed to somewhat change that, then when we changed it, we had 10 points taken away.
“Then we went, ‘Right, let’s get on with it.’ We got on with it, and then we had six points taken away and four given back, but we are still getting on with it.
“Still working hard in training for the badge, the shirt, for myself, and the Club. I couldn’t be more pleased with them. You can go under in these circumstances, our group here just continually work properly on the training ground, work properly for each other and take the games on - that is the mentality we want through thick and thin.”
