The quarter season mark: an assessment

How do we solve this with the players we have? It’s often seen as sacrilege to change a winning side, but maybe it is necessary to get the home wins?

I’m not sure because it would mean swapping Doucoure for a creative no10 Odegaard, Madison, Gibbs-White, Sigurdsson. This is a player we don’t have, and a player that Thelwell is probably looking for.

I’ve toyed with he idea of dropping Doucoure bringing Gana into the midfield and playing Garner in the no10 position. He gets into the box and has a good shot, also a creative instinct. Not really his role though so not convinced enough.

Another angle at home is working on getting our full backs overlapping. Getting better more dangerous crosses in from behind the opposition defender. Much more difficult to defend against and much better supply to Calvert-Lewin. I think with the players at our disposal this is currently the key to breaking down teams and changing our fortunes at home.

Thanks for the article Robert, a very fair appraisal.

Your comment regarding overlapping backs is very valid. Even one of them and I think our right-back has enough about him going forward if he were given license to. Keeping the defence solid enough to cover him would then be a key of course.

Patterson has provided one assist v Sheffield Utd and against Bournemouth, in a brief cameo, put two good crosses along the 6-yard line which were not attacked by the strikers.

He will improve the more he plays with Harrison who is experienced enough to drop back when Patterson attacks the opposition defence.

We may not be much better, but even when we lose, aside from Villa in the league, the results are close. You are talking one or two goals, not a thrashing.

We don't collapse easily and have a lot more resilience about us.

When things start working out, they shout the loudest. If they're proven wrong, it's all quiet. Such confrontational language in an article is unwarranted, especially after the decades of pure crap us Evertonians have endured; so please leave it until later in the season before you start as your prediction could be premature.

You just want to hope Dyche listens to the fans and doesn't keep picking his mates Young and Keane.

I'm hoping the likes of Beto, Danjuma & Chermiti will offer more as the season progresses, but I'm rather concerned about our lack of decent defensive & midfield cover. We do look a bit thin outside of the first XI. I hope they can all stay fit right through to Wembley in May!

I reckon, there's a good chance of a Top 10 finish, with luck staying free from injuries. A good feeling, and sense of 1983, to me, but year on year, the squad is in a different place, and their mentality has changed.

A long way to go, but starting v Burnley and to get a head of steam going for Brighton.

In adversity we often become stronger, and believe, and I think all Evertonians, have this in their DNA, and Sean Dyche and his Team, deserve credit for this transformation of the first team squad.

UTFTs!

As for the Manager, I've said before I wasn't enamoured of his appointment but he deserved the chance to continue after his efforts in avoiding relegation but I am sometimes disappointed that we seem to be trying to be difficult to beat rather than trying to win, or as somebody put last week's game, we out-Moysed Moyes.

As for the next transfer window, it might be sometime before we have funds, regardless of an Independent Commission's findings, unless we sell first which I can only hope would not be our better players but who else could raise the funds we might need. Sell our best to buy someone better than those not quite up to it? As we all know that would not be this Manager's fault.

Probably took too long in retrospect – but maybe the concern was Branthwaite, Patterson, Onana and Garner might crumble if played together. I expect they will have their ups and downs. But it's good to see them showing some personality as well as ability.

I could have mentioned set pieces and subs which seem to be a bugbear still. I just haven't thought too deeply about it although quite a few posters have noted issues here.

The next big thing will be getting McNeil and Harrison properly fit and sharp, and linking up with the full backs.

That would mean Doucouré or McNeil being rotated with him but I suppose that is what squads are for.

I’d definitely prefer to see the younger players make their mistakes but grow, because this will hopefully be a season which should see us gradually moving away from the relegation places and possibly even cementing us as a mid table side, so why not let the younger players learn?

I’d still like to see how Doucoure could do playing on the right, meaning Harrison would switch to the left, but only because I think McNeil, might have a lot more to offer, if we could get him to play more centrally?

We got to remember that for the first few games, we had Maupay as our lone striker, and that was the reason we were unable to convert chances and resulted in a meagre points return.

Once we got McNeil, then Calvert-Lewin and Harrison fit, we have started to look quite potent.

One thing that concerns me is the lack of time for our substitutes to come in and make a difference, but I suppose Dyche's priority is now to get some points on the board and get the first XI stable and comfortable with each other.

He may then start giving some more game time to the likes of Beto, Chermiti, Danjuma, Dobbin. If Thelwell can pull off getting Philips in from Man City, that would really help the squad.

We also need to offload Godfrey and Keane (or at least one of them) in the January transfer window and bring in one or two dependable centre-backs who could be reliable backups to Banthwaite and Tarkowski. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and we need to be patient in building up the squad.

I am still hopeful that Dyche can work his magic on Dele Alli – like he did with Calvert-Lewin – and we can start seeing the Dele of old. I suspect that Thelwell is doing some quiet back-room work to try and renegotiate the terms of Dele's contract.

A fit Calvert-Lewin in the team and we win against Fulham and Wolves. He was the difference at the weekend.

Dyche has his hands tied with the squad we have but it is his job to get a tune out of players. Mykolenko has stepped up, Branthwaite is one of the first names on the team sheet. Garner has forced his way in.

I would give us a D for the first quarter results. We had easy games on paper which we blew.

Moshiri averages a manager every 18 months so Dyche has until the end of the season before being replaced regardless of results.

If 777 Partners take over, his days could be up even sooner.

We are a basket-case off the pitch with Dyche holding things together on it.

Had we been a little less wasteful and those fine margins not gone against us vs Luton and Sheffield Utd, we'd be up around 8th/9th in the table now.

Factor in also, say, a point from Wolves and the picture would be quite rosy. A more realistic reflection of our ability in my opinion – I do think we have been punching below our weight.

Rome was not built in a day but with solid foundations being created we may see a more attractive way of playing in the years ahead, it will be years rather months though I suspect.

Hopefully, in 2 years time we will have cleared out the remaining deadwood, moved into our new stadium, and be giving out about a mid-table finish.

Despite a possible points deduction, Moshiri doing a Moshiri with his 777 appointees and the passing of Kenwright leaving a rudderless ship, the playing and coaching staff seem pretty happy and focussed.

A genuine first team has emerged with players who can play and we're going in the right direction. It's just a matter of fans keeping their nerve when results go against as they surely will. Dyche has done a great job given what he found here.

I agree that 13th would be a good result for us this season given how close we've been to the drop the last 2 years. And I think we look on course for something like that. Much will depend on injuries but Dyche continues to do a good job in my eyes and Thelwell also deserves credit for managing to significantly improve this squad whilst only paying £3m up front.

Branthwaite has exceeded even my quite lofty expectations and will presumably drop off at some point. I wonder what moves we're planning for January, by which time we will presumably know what our punishment for FFP is and whether the 777 takeover is fully viable or not.

We need to solve the problem of winning games at home pretty quickly. I'm hoping that persevering with Onana and Garner more centrally and seeing Harrison settle more into the side will give us the necessary skills and pace to break sides down.

Of course that means both fullbacks getting forward more often confident they have cover behind them.

I'm not sure where Godfrey fits into the equation because I literally wouldn't know where to play him. What is his best position? He is a good athlete when fit, but his positional play can leave a lot to be desired. I'd be looking to move him on in January.

I'm not going to make any predictions after only 10 games but I think we have a good enough squad to finish mid-tableish, providing we don't suffer any major meltdowns or injuries.

My major concern for the club's future is our financial situation. We are in a dire situation, more so than many fans I talk to realise I think. These dubious American “investors” I use the term advisedly! — are not the answer in my opinion. They don't have the money or the right business plan for the club. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could kick them.

Weirdly we have the same number of points from ten matches, this season, as we did last season. From that point on, despite beating Palace, the wheels started to fall off.

Hopefully, that won't happen this time around.

I suppose being optimistic, I might have ruled out Dele Alli a bit prematurely. Dyche has done well getting Calvert-Lewin into good shape.

I struggle to get my head around Alli playing for us again but what do I know? I've no inside information etc. So maybe? How incredible would that be to suddenly have a player of that calibre available?

I'm all for decorum but shouting down a constructive take that was originally ridiculed by some of your negative mates who now claim sensitivity to this article's tone is preposterous. Get your shinpads on, the season just started.

There has undoubtedly been a marked improvement in our general play under Dyche and in the absence of a goalscorer our results remained poor.

But with the addition of Harrison and the return of Calvert-Lewin, we have looked slightly more potent – especially in the use of Doucouré breaking forward.

Before the disastrous start to the season, I predicted around 52 points so I am in agreement with your 45-point prediction.

However, games are tight and the margins are fine so results really are unpredictable this season as some of the big guns have already found out.

Let's see how we do against Burnley and Brighton and that will give us a better indicator of how this season will pan out – ignoring financial issues and points deduction possibilities of course.

Mali: Has Abdoulaye Doucouré already turned the page on the Eagles?

In all the following situations, Robert acknowledges we "look a bit rubbish":

1) When the opposition scores first, and can then sit back a bit.

2) At home against other mediocre teams who play us at our own game.

3) Against quality teams, like Arsenal, who did a job on us by adapting their tactics to nullify ours.

That's a lot of scenarios where we look crap!

I fear Dyche is too cautious and incapable of crafting teams with energy, flair and spirit. Burnley is his spiritual home – the gutsy underdog – which is, at best, all he is capable of turning Everton into.

Christ, I so hope I'm wrong but I see too many games on the horizon where we are incapable of keeping possession and creating chances. A few decent results recently has sent us all a bit giddy with excitement – the thirsty man in the desert imagining an oasis.

Again, while we are still at a numerical place where some valid references can be offered to question this progress, the cost of getting to this place and initial returns in investment make a decent case. It might be good to focus on football not character or past argument positions as the project continues.

John #25, I think the positivity is because, after a really awful few seasons, there aren't even more flaws. There will be plenty of games ahead where we can't control possession or create chances unfortunately. But that's not really Dyche, that's the quality of the players unfortunately.

You want better; then you need about £300M or so to spend on players (which would help us catch up with Villa).

In particular, I like the way he has prioritised making the team solid. That was always a priority for all three of our trophy-winning managers since the Second World War.

There will obviously be many challenges and blips ahead. In those periods, it will be important for the club, owners and fans alike, to keep faith with a manager who seems to know what he is doing.

Thanks as always for your measured assessment. My biggest concern with Dyche so far this season was his blind-faith on Ashley Young (his legs are gone to such an extent that even his free-kick prowess is now affected) and Michael Keane (Dyche should see by now, like most of us did, of Keane's regression into a Championship-calibre player). Glad that Young's suspension & Keane's struggles enabled Jarrad and Patto to come out of Dyche's dog-house.

Dennis@6:

Agreed with your point that we lack proper cover on defense. We aren't, however, going to get anything meaningful done on that end until the salaries of Keane, Holgate & Godfrey are off our books (Rejoice! We are 19 months away from having their reportedly collective salary of £‎230K/week off our books! Start the countdown!).

While I would gladly book an out-of-town Uber for Keane & Holgate right away if there are clubs willing to take most of, if not all of, their salaries off our hands before June 2025, I'm terribly sad that the injuries might have taken away almost all of Godfrey's pace that he based his game upon.

Fingers crossed that we are going to see more of Beto, Danjuma & Chermiti later in the season. Beto & Danjuma have proved that they can contribute in the right circumstances and I am not selling my stocks on Danjuma and the Calvert-Lewin - Beto partnerships yet! (FYI: My Arsenal-supporting brother and a large number of his fellow Gooners would gladly take Danjuma off our hands in a nano-second.)

Alan @8:

Just seeing Onana taking the ball from Tarkowski Branthwaite, turning towards the opposition goal, and carrying the ball upfield past the centre circle in the past 2 games were absolutely delightful to say the least: no more passing sideways by Gana!

As a fervent believer in the 'Everton that' mantra, I'd prefer to see how we do in the next 27 league games to give me a better indicator of how this season will pan out.

But I've been slowly won around by his work and Thelwell's too by the way. There seems to be much common sense in Dyche's approach. Very little talk about footballing philosophy and such bollocks, and more emphasis on fitness, partnerships on the pitch and a professional mindset.

I would like to see Sean learn a bit from some of his mistakes and evolve a more attacking mindset at home. That will be a challenge for him.

The previous manager he reminds me of is David Moyes, so I'd be happy if he just got us to below that glass ceiling instead of constantly skating over the relegation trapdoor. I've not seen any comedic calls for Graham Potter recently so he must be doing something right. Stability is important right now.

That is a confrontational stance, aimed at fans who weren't happy with the terrible start to the season. Most on TW were predicting a really strong start against our weak peers, but it seems Robert knew something we all didn't, and we had no need to worry. Wonderful thing hindsight - hope he can help with my fixed odds coupon this week (By the way, I am not in the 'Dyche out' brigade, but don't blame anyone who is)

McNeil ended up playing the entire match. Not a great decision in my opinion in terms of risk and reward.

I knew we had some decent performance levels in the first few home games but the lack of goals and results meant that I couldn't feel comfortable with it.

However I think the turning point was winning those back to back away trips to Brentford and Villa in the Carabao Cup.

I know we lost to Luton after that but the results seem to have taken a upturn since then and there seems to have been more belief more hard work since the likes of Harrison and Branthwaite have been in the side.

I'd look at the next two fixtures with a hope of getting 4 points from them and then on to a difficult December which will also no doubt shape our second half of the campaign.

In reality we should be looking at beating Fulham and making the Semi-Finals of the Carabao Cup in which the games will then take care of themselves.

January should see moves hopefully for the Gomes, Keane and possibly Godfrey with one or two incoming that can and will make a greater impact than the three above.

Big test tomorrow. It might give us a better idea on where we are.

But 5 wins in 7 looks impressive. If it hadn't been for the Luton blip, things would be looking very good.

With Sigurdsson, we never finished lower than 12th and were never threatened with relegation.

Without him, we finished 16th and 17th and stayed up at the last desperate breath.

But of course there's no connection at all. (eye roll)

Thelwell will be scouring the markets. By no means am I saying drop Doucouré for this player, but we need options to mix up our approach rather than be predictable. It's a player we need to progress and to make the squad stronger.

It's a funny old game, isn't it!

How we have managed some of our best homegrown talent is one of the reasons that has led us to where we are today in my opinion. But that's another tragic story.

Really good to read your largely upbeat and positive outlook. I share your optimism should we avoid being blighted again injury-wise.

If the decision on possible points deduction is imminent, I think whatever it is, we should take it on the chin and focus on making progress on the pitch. Rather that than the uncertainty of an appeal process dragging on.

More off-field distractions should be avoided for the purposes of clarity and focus. UTFT.

Two very different types of player; Sigurdsson far more comfortable with the ball at his feet and was more creative and more of a goalscorer.

Doucoure more a player that does things on quick instinct, almost like a Tim Cahill lite type player.

There's no doubt that we miss that type of player that Sigurdsson was, however, someone to score 7-10 goals a season and open things up more.

That has to be our next area to improve in my opinion.