Everton manager Sean Dyche must heed warning after sack-dodging victory – three things learned v Bournemouth
Everton thrashed Bournemouth 3-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday (7 October) in a result that will ensure Sean Dyche remains in charge at Goodison Park for a while longer yet.
There had been growing pressure on Dyche on the back of last week’s 2-1 home loss to Luton Town, but the Toffees responded superbly with just their second win in eight Premier League games this season.
James Garner profited from a Bournemouth mistake early on to open the scoring, before Jack Harrison’s sublime finish and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s strike either side of half-time sealed a routine – and much-needed – win.
Here are three things Goodison News learned from a hugely encouraging display.
Dyche’s hand forced
This was arguably the best all-around display produced by Everton in Dyche’s nine-and-a-bit months in charge, and it came after the experienced boss was forced into a rethink shortly before kick-off.
Dyche decided to name Idrissa Gueye in his starting line-up, despite a number of disappointing displays from the central midfielder.
However, the Senegal international pulled up injured during the warm-ups and that meant Dyche had to turn to Amadou Onana.
That was very much a blessing in disguise for Dyche – and a lesson he must heed – as Onana had a great game and played his part in a win that will lift the clouds of doom above Goodison Park.
It may have been a decision that landed in Dyche’s lap, but he must ensure that he sticks with this formula even if Gueye is fit upon Everton’s return to action in two weeks’ time.
Garner front and centre
Garner has showed his versatile nature for Everton this season by playing both on the right of midfield and through the middle.
The Manchester United academy product started in central midfield against Bournemouth and got his side up and running with an early go after Illya Zabarnyi slipped on the ball.
In the two games he has started in central midfield – also against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup cup – Garner has been on the scoresheet.
If Dyche was under any doubt where the 22-year-old’s best position is, this answers that debate.
Goals galore
This was the first time Everton have scored more than one goal in a home match since 22 October last year in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace [BBC Sport].
Indeed, prior to this match, they had scored just once at Goodison in a run of four successive league losses.
The only blemish of sorts is that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and substitute Beto failed to find the net – the latter still waiting for his first Premier League goal – but DCL was one of Everton’s better performers and looks to be over his injury issues.
Everton should have scored more – what’s new? – but the difference here is that they still managed to bag three goals to hopefully give their season lift-off.
In other Everton news, 777 Partners provided an update on the takeover situation ahead of the game at Goodison.