Strange Sean Dyche tactical decision justified as James Garner shines in 3-1 win v Brentford
Everton ended their winless Premier League start in a thoroughly deserved victory over Brentford and Sean Dyche will have been delighted at his James Garner tactical decision.
Goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Tarkowski and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ensured Dyche’s side finally claimed maximum reward for their efforts in an impressive and assured 3-1 win at such a tough ground to play in.
Before Saturday’s (23 September) encounter, Brentford had only tasted defeat on their own turf once all calendar year but Everton recorded their first away against the Bees in over 50 years lifting them out of bottom three and up to 15th.
The Toffees were as resilient, dogged and defensively assured as they were fluent and expansive going forward all game and that was down to the strange Dyche tactical decision that actually proved a masterstroke.
The former Burnley boss deployed a midfield five-man midfield with Dwight McNeil the only specialist out-an-out winger or attacker behind Beto, with Abdoulaye Doucoure utilised as the number 10 in behind the Portuguese summer signing while Garner was deployed on the right flank.
Such a decision will have caused a major uproar within the Everton fanbase with the Toffees struggling for goals, with just two scored before Saturday’s win, and struggling for points on the board.
To score goals, Everton will need their best attacking outlets which many will have rooted for Arnaut Danjuma to start on the right flank.
However, it was centre-midfielder Garner who was strangely shipped out to the right wing but the former Manchester United academy star turned out one of his best performances in an Everton shirt and justified Dyche’s decision.
In his 90 minutes on the pitch, the Englishman recorded a 92% pass accuracy from 45 touches, registered 6 ball recoveries, five ground duels won, four key passes, won two fouls, and completed two of his crosses [SofaScore] while successfully completing 12 of his 13 final third passes.
Garner also laid on a wonderful pass for Calvert-Lewin’s clincher after also providing the cross that led to Doucoure’s opener in a complete and sensational performance in an unfamiliar tactical role.
While a permanent change to a right winger may not be on the cards for Garner’s future, it’s a move which will certainly aid his tactical understanding and positional versatility which could prove absolutely crucial for Everton’s own future down the line.
An impressive move and decision from Dyche.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are locked in a Premier League battle to sign one of the hottest teenage footballing talents in Brazil with a January exit now possible.