Sean Dyche can be encouraged by Everton collapse v Bournemouth – Micah Richards
Micah Richards believes there were encouraging signs for Sean Dyche and Everton in the 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday [31 August].
The Blues took a two-goal lead courtesy of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, a late comeback including three goals in nine minutes in the closing stages of the match handed Dyche his third consecutive Premier League defeat.
Richards discussed the result with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on The Rest is Football [2 September, 32m 50s], and believes there were positive signs for the Toffees heading into the international break, despite the collapse.
He said: “I think it will give them some encouragement that they’re scoring goals though and played well, so you can take the positives from that.
“Bournemouth didn’t have a shot on target until the 86th minute? That is ridiculous, so you’ve pretty much done your job.
“There are goals that can change games, little moments. If you don’t concentrate for a split second, you can end up winning or losing the game.
“Unfortunately for Everton, that is the difference.”
Everton take one step forward, two steps back v Bournemouth
Goodison Park released a collective sigh of relief when Keane opened the Blues’ scoring account for the season and the stadium exploded into pandemonium when Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead seven minutes later.
The Blues dominated the match for 86 minutes and could have easily added one or two more goals had Iliman Ndiaye and Seamus Coleman converted their chances.
Their joy was short-lived, however. The Toffees lost all composure when Anthony Semenyo pegged a goal back for the visitors and, despite retaining a one-goal lead, what proceeded to happen next is a good example as any of Dyche’s woes as Everton boss this season.
Lewis Cook and Luis Sinisterra put the final nail in the coffin and completed a remarkable comeback for the Cherries. Everton had looked set to earn their first three points of the season and in a matter of minutes fell to another defeat.
It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the Blues’ woes this season. Dyche’s decision to remove Ndiaye, who was bossing the pitch for his side, certainly contributed to the downfall.
However, it seems a collective lack of steel and ability to see out a result cost Everton as they drowned under the late Bournemouth pressure.
Dyche will need to return to the drawing board during the international break as his side sits at the foot of the Premier League table after three matches and many will consider the 53-year-old on borrowed time at Goodison Park [Daily Mail] – he needs to get results fast, if given the chance.
In other Everton news, the Jarrad Branthwaite injury news is a big concern for the Blues ahead of the Aston Villa game.
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