Alan Pardew shares Sean Dyche concern at Everton after woeful first half at Doncaster
Everton have been outperformed by League Two side Doncaster Rovers in the second-round clash of the EFL Cup, according to Alan Pardew.
Speaking on Soccer Special (30 August), Pardew claimed that alarm bells may be ringing for Sean Dyche after an unconvincing start to the game which they trailed 1-0 at halftime.
With his mostly unchanged side having a difficult time against a side at the foot of League Two, Pardew suggests Doncaster appear more drilled and prepared for their home clash.
On Soccer Special, Pardew said: “Doncaster look the better side. They look more coordinated and together. If I was Sean Dyche, I’d be concerned.”
Big concern
Everton’s typical issues do not appear to be taking a midweek break.
Dyche names a strong side, with just Ashley Young, Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye making way for Vitalii Mykolenko, Ben Godfrey and Youssef Chermiti.
While Everton have managed to wrestle the majority of possession in the tie, Doncaster have been steadfast in their attempts to reclaim the ball and have made it tough for the Blues to create many chances.
Pickford has had to be called upon more than Dyche would have liked, but there is plenty of space for the Toffees to exploit if they increase the quality of their play.
Arnaut Danjuma had a chance to get the opener in the 40th minute with the Toffees’ first shot of the game. Neat interplay saw him get a strike away, but it fizzed across the face of the goal.
Just minutes later, the travelling Everton fans will be frustrated at a contentious opening Doncaster goal that appeared to be offside, but the Toffees deserved no less after the performance up to that point.
Confidence is clearly having a huge impact on the side and Dyche will hope for a goal as soon as possible to give his men that extra boost to kick on for the rest of the fixture.
If needed, Dyche has a strong bench he can utilise, including new striker Beto who could make his debut in the second half, but his current 11 players should have enough quality themselves for a comfortable win.
The fact that is it not going that way so far serves to prove Pardew right.
In other Everton news, the Toffees face a fresh twist in their pursuit of a Bundesliga defender.