Sean Dyche says the “details” – both offensive and defensively – must be improved for Everton to find an upturn in form.
A late own goal saw the Blues fall to a 2-1 defeat on Saturday at Bournemouth, and next up, Dyche’s side head to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Tuesday evening (7.30pm BST).
The previous meeting between the sides saw Everton produce a standout performance of the season, winning 3-0 in December at Goodison Park after goals from Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Beto.
Dyche believes that display could be a “good marker” heading into the midweek trip to take on Eddie Howe’s team, who came from behind to win 4-3 against West Ham United at the weekend.
“They’ve had a great result, and they’re a good outfit – we know that,” said Dyche, speaking in his pre-match press conference. “We did a really good job tactically and with the delivery of the performance against them earlier in the season.
“We can’t rely on that, but it’s a good marker that it’s achievable to take these games on. We need to play well because there are no gimmes in the Premier League, and there are certainly not when you go to places like that.
“A lot of respect goes out to Eddie and what he’s done there, and his staff. I know a couple of players there – good people, obviously.
“It’s no easy task. We’ve got a pretty experienced group. A few are learning as they go, but we expect to go there and deliver a performance. We’ve had a knock ourselves and now it’s about correcting that.”
Denied a point during stoppage time last time out, Dyche recognises his players are showing the desired effort – but insists a focus on cutting out defensive errors, while being more ruthless in front of goal, will be key factors in Everton picking up improved results.
“We have to make sure the details are correct because we haven’t been doing that, and that’s quite obvious in both boxes,” he added. “That’s what has to certainly be intact when you go to places like St. James’.
“We don’t need a reaction in the sense of effort. It’s the details. Slightly less so against Bournemouth with the creation of chances, but generally, it’s all there for us to build on, but you can’t make mistakes. At both ends, by the way.
“It’s not fair to just question a defensive moment because we’ve had chance after chance we haven’t capitalised on. So, we have to change both ends of the pitch.”
