….despite some low points this season, I’ve generally been ok with Dyche.
I think there are lazy myths about ‘hoofball’, ‘won’t play youngsters’, ‘Dyche fit’ & ‘playing his favourites’. Perhaps a bit of snobbery that he shouldn’t manage Everton.
Yesterday demonstrated we can get players into attacking positions, and create. Its key to me when I watch my side that we carry some threat, and I’ve generally seen that with Dyche. I think his team selection is pragmatic, he’ll select what he thinks is his best team and filters out the poor performers.
He might just see us safe again, I certainly wouldn’t be looking for change.
I agree with most of this.
I see some the criticisms of Dyche, and wonder if I am watching the same game.
Too defensive, won't play youngsters etc.
Yesterday we had 4 onfield players 23 and under playing. We have also seen Dobbin, Patterson and Chermiti all under 23 playing. So clearly younger players are being given an opportunity.
The manager has to get the balance right though. I like Patterson, but Youngs experience yesterday helped us. Brainthwaite was excellent, but did give away a couple of cheap free kicks which resulted in chances. I'm not knocking him, he looks a lad who will learn and he does lots well, but you have to get that balance.
Likewise you have to get that balance between defence and attack. I saw a lot of frustrated people that Garner came in playing wide, and secondly Calvert Lewin replaced Beto not another player. For me both calls were right.
I like Danjuma, I like players who want to score goals, but can also appreciate he doesn't contribute a lot defensively, certainly compare to Garner. Like McNeil last season (and on fairness Iwobi) Garner gives wonderful cover to the fullback. Young got a booking and he doubled up constantly on their wide players.
When you are playing a tough away game, it's those things you are looking for.
Likewise, Beto looked tired. It was the perfect sub. We were controlling the game, so why take the risk of changing a shape that was working and potentially cede control?
Football is not a computer game, it's played on grass so to speak.
Yesterday reminded me of a later Moyes set up. Where we would be have Osman/Peinaar/Arteta playing wide, undoubtedly preferring to play centrally, but doing an effective job in both aspects of the game making us very hard to play against but also giving quality/impetus with the ball.
Doucoure is akin to Cahill playing the split striker, not particularly pretty but very effective.
That was the 2nd decisive away win in 5 under Dyche. I honestly don't remember a manager post Moyes who would win games as easily as Brentford/Brighton so close together.
He needs to resolve home performances and results a bit. And look we need to get better defensively. For me being more offensive isn't our issue at all.
