Sean Dyche problem at Everton laid bare as concerning stat emerges
In a season of uncertainty, Everton endured another low in the 2-1 home defeat to Luton Town on Saturday (30 September).
It represented a fourth straight home league loss of the season for the Toffees, who became the first side the Hatters had ever beaten in the Premier League.
As per the Analyst, it represents just the second time in the club’s history Everton have lost four straight home top-flight matches to start a season, that coming all the way back in the 1958-59 campaign.
It does not take a genius to work out what Everton’s main issue has been (again) this season. Simply, they are not scoring enough goals.
Much has been made in the early stages of the campaign about how the numbers are pretty good but they are not being reflected in results.
That does ring partially true, with the xG Philosphy tweeting on Monday that Dyche’s side have an expected goals return of 13.37 this term, but have registered just six.
That is 7.37 goals fewer than Everton are expected to have celebrated given the opportunities they have created.
It leads to two schools of thought here. One, surely at some point Everton will make the most of these chances and goals, and therefore hopefully results, will improve.
But expected goals are basically just an indication, it does not delve deeper into the issues that as a collective Everton are not being ruthless enough, mere data cannot relate to confidence issues in front of goal.
The good thing is Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hit a bit of form, scoring in three straight games now across all competitions.
They desperately need him to stay fit, but just as importantly they need to likes of Beto, Dwight McNeil, Arnaut Danjuma and Abdoulaye Doucoure to start contributing more regularly.
If they do start solving their problems in front of goal then, on the pitch at least, there is reason for cautious optimism. If they do not, well the Toffees are going be scrapping for their lives again this term.
In other Everton news, the FAB has offered an update on the 777 Partners takeover after recent talks.