Sean Dyche must now axe Ben Godfrey after ‘ridiculous’ decision in Everton loss v Man United
Sean Dyche must now drop Ben Godfrey following his performance for Everton in the defeat against Manchester United on Saturday (9 March).
The versatile defender once again started for the Toffees at right-back as the Red Devils secured a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old gave away a penalty in the first half – the hosts’ second of the game – when he needlessly brought down Alejandro Garnacho as he made his way into the area.
After Bruno Fernandes had already scored for Man United from the spot following a foul by James Tarkowski, Marcus Rashford stepped up to double their lead and punish Godfrey’s error.
Owen Hargreaves blasted both Everton defenders for giving away penalties in the first half and ensuring it was an uphill battle for their side to try and get back into the game.
“They’re ridiculous challenges,” said Hargreaves, as per the official Premier League website. “I say to my son’s team ‘Stay on your feet.’ They’re terrible challenges and Sean Dyche will be fuming.”
While it was a poor decision from Tarkowski, he has largely been solid for the Toffees this season, having built up an excellent partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.
Godfrey, however, has been relatively hit-and-miss since coming back into the fold for the Blues in this calendar year – a period in which they’ve failed to win a single Premier League game.
It is by no means to say that is all the defender’s fault, but it just feels like he perhaps isn’t the best player to continue playing at right-back.
While Godfrey’s averaged 2.3 tackles in his nine league appearances this season, he’s won just 46 per cent of his duels and been dribbled past 1.1 times per game to go alongside the penalty he conceded against Man United [SofaScore].
He’s also been fairly sloppy in possession, having recorded just a 70 per cent pass success rate, which drops to 59 per cent in the opposition’s half.
With more expected of fullbacks going forward in this day and age, the defender hasn’t really been putting up the attacking numbers to suggest he’s the ideal fit to play regularly at right-back in the Premier League.
The Englishman has found a teammate with just 14 per cent of his crosses, completed 31 per cent of his dribbles and missed four big chances.
While Godfrey’s effort levels can’t be questioned as he continues to give his all for the Toffees, it’s perhaps time for Dyche to give someone else the opportunity to impress at right-back.
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