Everton: BBC Sport journalist makes ‘huge’ admission, shares reason to be optimistic v Bournemouth
The stats in the opening games of the season show a more progressive Everton side is emerging on the pitch, according to Joe Bradshaw.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Thursday (5 October, 04:01pm), the journalist pointed out that the Toffees’ expected goals reached the second-highest total (2.9) since Sean Dyche took over against Luton Town, while they had 68 per cent of the possession against Sheffield United.
He added that the number of shots is up to an average of 15 per game from 13 last season and the amount of passes has risen from 242 to 317 a game, suggesting that the performances have been strong despite the results at the start of this campaign.
Bradshaw believes the Blues were unfortunate to lose to Wolves, Fulham and Luton in their previous home games, with them now facing a “huge” fixture against Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday (7 October).
“There is evidence of a slightly bolder, more progressive Everton side emerging on the pitch,” said the journalist. “Everton were very unfortunate to lose to the Hatters, deserved more from similar home defeats to Wolves and Fulham and could easily have beaten Sheffield United.
“The numbers say they should be comfortably in mid-table – aside from the number that matters. And four points from seven games is certainly a worrying total. Roll on a huge game at home to Bournemouth this weekend.”
It will come
If Everton keep performing in the same positive fashion, you would think it’s only a matter of time before they finally pick up a win at home.
As the stats suggest, they have largely dominated each of their matches at Goodison Park this season, barring the narrow defeat against Arsenal.
The expectation will be for them to beat Bournemouth this weekend, though, and it could cause some real concern if they don’t come away with three points.
These are the games that the Toffees absolutely have to win if they don’t want to be drawn into another relegation battle this season.
While Dyche will be encouraged by the improvement shown in terms of statistics, he will be desperate for his side to start turning that into results.
In other Everton news, the club have held talks with a free agent who is currently training with Bayern Munich.