The masterstroke Sean Dyche has achieved at Everton even his harshest critics must accept
Sean Dyche has come under fire from some Evertonians because of the club's difficult start to the season, but even they must agree this one change has been inspirational
by David Anderson · The MirrorSean Dyche has been battered by some Everton fans because of the Blues’ difficult start.
But even his toughest critics must admit his decision to move Dwight McNeil inside to the No 10 role has been inspired. McNeil has bagged four goals and two assists in his last six appearances and has easily been Everton’s best player.
Compare this to last season when he managed just three goals from left wing and the difference is as clear as night and day. McNeil is enjoying the freedom and his first strike from 25 yards out into the far corner was a goal of the month contender before he applied a cool finish at the back post to complete Everton’s comeback.
McNeil revealed he spoke to Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski about improving his contribution and is delighted with the transformation. “It’s funny because me, Skip and Tarks talked in pre-season about getting my stats up and how I could do that,” he said.
“For me I’m happy with what I’ve got so far, but I want more, I want to kick on more. I want to help the team impact games as best I can. I’ve done a lot of different things. A lot of it’s mentality, having confidence in myself and when you’ve got confidence from the lads around you, the manager and coaching staff, that helps.
“Playing centrally as well, being more involved in the game, has helped get my stats up, but there’s a long way to go. The main thing was getting the three points on the board, but we’ve got to kick on.”
It’s impossible to overstate how massive this win was for Everton and they have climbed out of the bottom three with their first Premier League victory since May 11. After dropping eight points from winning positions, they held on to win and came from behind for the first time this season.
It could prove to be a pivotal week for the club after American billionaire Dan Friedkin announced his takeover and the negative atmosphere around Goodison Park is disappearing. The Blues are also getting their injured and ill players back and Jarrad Branthwaite showed why Manchester United wanted him in the summer with an assured performance on his return from his groin operation.
Everton finally have their defensive triangle of him, Jordan Pickford and skipper James Tarkowski back and the difference in solidity was obvious. “I’m close with Jazza and I know he was frustrated he was injured and his return maybe took him a bit longer than he wanted,” said McNeil.
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“He’s young and he’s a massive part of our squad. I’m happy to see him back. He’s a massive player and he’s got an exciting future ahead of him.” Vitalii Mykolenko also returned from illness at left-back and gradually Everton are looking more like the side who had the fourth defence in the Premier League last season.
“When people are injured or ill, it’s always difficult for any team,” said McNeil. “Us now having a fully fit squad coming back is good for the lads. Now we’ve got to step on and it’s just the start.”
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