Sean Dyche has united Everton after pushing fallouts and frustration to the side

916     0
Sean Dyche has united Everton after pushing fallouts and frustration to the side
Sean Dyche has united Everton after pushing fallouts and frustration to the side

Togetherness.

That’s the key to Sean Dyche’s Blue revolution and everyone at Everton is finally united.

Everton were dysfunctional in the 18 months before Dyche walked into Goodison Park in January. There were too many fallouts and cliques and they under-performed, twice narrowly avoiding relegation. Dyche set about getting everyone on the same page and the fruits of his labours are finally clear with Everton having taken 19 points from 24.

They would be pushing for Europe, something they last achieved in 2017, if they had not been docked 10 points and they are easing well clear of the drop zone.

Michael Keane, who recovered from an ankle ligament injury to play, spent three years under Dyche at Burnley and is an excellent example of someone who has bought into his style.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush eiqrziquxitinvChelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

“He’s brought all the lads together,” said the centre-hell, who crowned his man-of-the-match display with the second goal before hitting the post. “Everyone is pulling in the same direction.

“The fans are with us, everyone is working their hardest every day. Training is to a top level every day and it’s about the whole squad, not just the 11 on the pitch. Everyone is ready when they’re needed and they know their roles. When we’re getting results, it breeds confidence and belief.

“I don’t want to say we’re going to be safe yet - there’s still work to be done - but on the pitch, it’s been a brilliant season so far. The lads have been outstanding and the results away from home have been incredible.

“I don’t think you can ask any more of the lads.”

Sean Dyche has united Everton after pushing fallouts and frustration to the sideMichael Keane celebrates scoring against his former side (MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)

Dyche’s success is a fitting, last tribute to Bill Kenwright, who will be honoured in a memorial service at Liverpool Cathedral today, and he pushed for his appointment in January, when owner Farhad Moshiri preferred Marcelo Bielsa.

The former Everton chairman knew his beloved Blues inside out and realised Dyche was the ideal candidate to unite this grand, old club.

Keane knows he will probably be back on the bench tomorrow for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham at Goodison Park because Jarrad Branthwaite will be available after his ban, but he understands the club is more important than any individual.

“Yeah, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Jarrad has been excellent and I’m sure he’ll come back into the team. Rightly so, he’s been incredible.

“All I can do is focus on myself. When I’ve got a chance, I’ve got to try and take it and remind the manager what I’m capable of. I feel like I did that here, so I’m always ready.”

This was as easy a 2-0 away win in the Premier League as Everton could have hoped for and it was all over after 25 minutes at Turf Moor.

Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disasterEverton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster

Amadou Onana outmuscled Burnley to head home the opener from Dwight McNeil’s corner before Keane struck on 25 minutes after James Tarkowski had flicked on Jordan Pickford's free-kick.

Everton monstered Burnley at set-pieces and the Clarets look like they are heading straight back to the Championship with the merest of whimpers.

Their home form should be the bedrock of any survival bid, yet they have lost eight of their nine matches, shipping 22 goals.

Joint-top scorer Lyle Foster’s surprise return following his recovery from his mental health issues gives them some hope, but their chances of staying up, something they did five times under Dyche, are rapidly receding.

David Anderson

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus