Despite Everton’s demoralising second-half collapse against Newcastle United, which extended their run to one win in the last 10 games, manager Sean Dyche is confident his side can avoid relegation. After replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January, Dyche’s reign started with a 1-0 win against table-toppers Arsenal. However, there has been little to celebrate since. When asked if they can stay up, Dyche replied: “I think we can do it. It is a similar side to when we beat Arsenal, so there’s evidence it can be done. We need to bring the edge of that performance.”
Everton supporters welcomed the team coach into the stadium by lining the street outside and chanting and lighting blue flares. The backing continued in the first half when the side were on top, but their optimism was sapped once Callum Wilson scored the opening goal. With further goals from Wilson, Joelinton and Jacob Murphy, a comeback looked highly unlikely. Dyche expressed his disappointment, saying: “The first half we did everything I thought what was right against a good Newcastle side. It was all there other than the goal.” He added: “We have to correct the mistakes we have made in the last few weeks. We can all talk the talk but it is about walking the walk.”
Everton face a massive game next against fellow strugglers Leicester on Monday, with the Foxes a point and place above them in the drop zone. When asked if the manner of the defeat meant his side have lost the fans, with many leaving well before the end of the match, Dyche said: “I don’t think so. The fans have been terrific, they are amazing here. They will be backing the club until the end.”
Sean Dyche is confident that Everton can avoid relegation this season despite their unbroken Premier League stay being in jeopardy due to their recent form. After replacing Frank Lampard in January, Dyche’s reign started with a 1-0 win against table-toppers Arsenal. However, there has been little to celebrate since then. When asked if they can stay up, Dyche replied: “I think we can do it. It is a similar side to when we beat Arsenal, so there’s evidence it can be done. We need to bring the edge of that performance.” Everton supporters welcomed the team coach into the stadium by lining the street outside and chanting and lighting blue flares in an attempt to get behind the team. Despite this, their optimism was sapped once Callum Wilson scored the opening goal and further goals from Wilson, Joelinton and Jacob Murphy meant a comeback looked highly unlikely.
Dyche expressed his disappointment, saying: “We have to correct the mistakes we have made in the last few weeks. We can all talk the talk but it is about walking the walk.” Everton face a massive game next against fellow strugglers Leicester on Monday, with the Foxes a point and place above them in the drop zone. When asked if the manner of the defeat meant his side have lost the fans, with many leaving well before the end of the match, Dyche said: “I don’t think so. The fans have been terrific, they are amazing here. They will be backing the club until the end.” Despite their current form, Dyche remains confident that Everton can avoid relegation this season.