Darren Fletcher shares Everton ‘crumb of comfort’ despite Bournemouth horror show
Darren Fletcher has offered a “crumb of comfort” to Everton supporters in the aftermath of their 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday [31 August].
The Blues capitulated a two-goal lead at Goodison Park, conceding three goals in the final nine minutes of the match.
BBC and TNT Sports presenter Fletcher, when discussing the result on BBC Football Daily [2 September, 22m 13s] reminded Everton fans that not all hope is lost after the defeat.
He said: “I’m gonna give you, if you’re an Everton fan, a crumb of comfort. Last season they lost their first three games, and last season two of those defeats were at Goodison Park.
“They’ve been here before and Sean Dyche has turned it around. I just think it was the manner of the way it happened on Saturday that startled everybody.”
Is Sean Dyche the man to turn things around for Everton?
Fletcher hit the nail on the head with his take on the Everton loss – yes, the Blues have been here before – yes, Sean Dyche did steady the ship. But that doesn’t make the three consecutive losses in the Premier League any less his fault.
The 53-year-old cannot claim he wasn’t backed by the club this summer. Kevin Thelwell supplied him with seven additions and secured the loan signings of Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala and Chelsea striker Armando Broja on deadline day.
Only Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye have started for the Blues in the Premier League this season with Jake O’Brien and Jasper Lindstrom still awaiting their full debuts.
Dyche has opted for the more experienced and in turn more incompetent Michael Keane in defence, who despite his goal against Bournemouth has been woeful, and the underperforming Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison on the flanks.
The Blues were in cruise control for 86 minutes of the match at the weekend. The side left those inside Goodison Park in disbelief as they capitulated under bearable pressure from the Cherries and now head into the international break more lost than ever.
Dyche is now fighting for life at Everton and must use the fortnight break to assess the problems in his side and look to correct them before the Premier League restart against Aston Villa, o, he may very well be the first manager axed this season.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ final Premier League position was predicted by a supercomputer in a new relegation verdict.
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