Everton under so much pressure as risk emerges at Goodison Park
Michael Ball believes the lack of goals at Everton last season has put “so much pressure” on Sean Dyche’s defence to be perfect.
While the Toffees’ backline was one of the most defensively sound in the Premier League last term, only conceding more goals than Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, problems were blatant in the final third.
With only 40 goals scored in 38 league matches, Sheffield United were the only side to net fewer times throughout the season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto struggling.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday (13 August), Ball said: “Everton’s strength under Dyche has been the defence but the lack of goals has created so much pressure on that back line to be perfect.
“When a team is struggling for goals then clean sheets are more valuable but as a defender, you can feel like you need to do more outside your normal responsibilities.
“You think ‘can I do more?’ As a left back, I would be trying to work out whether I needed to do more to support my winger – but that then creates risk at the other end.”
Sean Dyche fixes Everton issues during summer transfer window
The Toffees have only strengthened in the defensive section of the pitch, with Jake O’Brien signed to partner either Jarrad Branthwaite or James Tarkowski.
Having made the brave choice to leave Crystal Palace for Europe last summer, the 23-year-old has impressed for Lyon, already earning a move back to the Premier League.
While fans are ecstatic with this piece of business from Kevin Thelwell, the attacking third of the pitch is where the real issues lay, especially with Calvert-Lewin still being linked with an exit.
Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom already look to have made a telling impact at Goodison Park, with the latter scoring a sensational free-kick during a pre-season friendly at Preston.
Jack Harrison has also returned to the club on loan after being with the Toffees last season, and though he could only notch six goal contributions in the league, his services on the flank were extremely useful.
Fans will certainly be hoping for a much more positive 2024/25 campaign, having been deducted a total of eight points and being threatened by relegation for much of last term.
In other Everton news, takeover bids ready in brand new developments at Goodison Park.
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