Richard Keys shares ‘simple’ Sean Dyche verdict after Everton win at Brentford
Richard Keys has praised Everton manager Sean Dyche for keeping things “simple” in his side’s much-needed Premier League victory at Brentford.
The Toffees finally got their first three-point haul of the Premier League campaign at the sixth time of asking with a 3-1 victory in West London on Saturday [23 September].
beIN Sports host Keys was impressed by what he saw from Everton, who scored more goals in one game than they managed in their previous five league games this season.
Writing in his weekly blog on Monday [25 September] in a piece largely focused on Vincent Kompany’s struggles at Burnley following their loss against Manchester United, Keys said: “Everton were fantastic at Brentford.
“Dyche knew exactly what was required from his team – keep it simple, turn them and make the most of set-pieces. Also – be strong. Brentford isn’t an easy place to go.
“Only two teams won there last season, Newcastle and Arsenal. Ok – Brentford aren’t quite the same yet, but they’re still a handful.
“Dyche and Everton started the weekend with one point, just like Burnley. Both needed a win. Who had the harder game? For me – Everton.
“They adapted. Burnley didn’t and they failed to capitalise on a home game against fragile opposition. So who played the ‘right way’? And who is the better coach?”
What a win
After a terrible start to the campaign in which Everton picked up just one point and scored only two goals in their first five games, it is fair to say the win at Brentford was much needed.
Prior to that victory, there had been growing questions regarding whether Dyche was the right man to take Everton forward.
The Toffees looked like a completely different team in the capital, one that actually had a game plan and the ability to stick the ball in the back of the net.
It was a deserved victory, even if Brentford had more of the ball, with Dyche’s men happy to sit back when they needed to and quickly get up the field when possession was turned over.
As Keys pointed out, the Gtech Community Stadium has been a tough ground for teams to visit over the past year, while Brentford have certainly been no pushovers throughout their Premier League stay.
The hope from an Everton perspective now is that Dyche gets his tactics spot on once again when Luton Town visit Goodison Park next weekend in another massive game.
In other Everton news, Dyche’s decision to use a ‘92% player’ against Brentford was more than justified.