Sean Dyche says he had displayed a willingness to explore different tactics and use different players as he works toward finding improvements within his Everton squad
Sean Dyche said he is prepared to continue experimenting with his Everton squad as he seeks answers to the club’s poor start to the season. The Blues conceded a late equaliser at Leicester City on Saturday to extend their winless Premier League run to five matches.
But the Everton boss, forced into changes by injury and illness, said he was able to find positives amid the frustration.
One of the biggest areas of improvement was the centre of midfield, where the absence of Idrissa Gueye forced Dyche into a reshuffle.
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A first Premier League start for deadline day signing Orel Mangala and Dyche’s decision to drop Abdoulaye Doucoure into a deeper role alongside him paid dividends for much of the match.
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Mangala retained possession and added composure on the ball, while Doucoure provided a valuable shield to a defence that has struggled in the early stages of the campaign.
Following the match, Dyche praised summer arrival Tim Iroegbunam, who dropped to the bench, but hinted that he had taken encouragement from the new partnership.
Asked what he had wanted from the midfield pair being lined up in such a way, he said: “The legs of Doucoure. Mangala with his know-how. Tim [Iroegbunam] has done great but he’s still young.
“People forget he’s probably been thrust into a situation where he probably wouldn’t have played as much as he has done. So we’ve got to be careful. He will do great and keep developing. Mangala is slightly more rounded and experienced. He did very well. Douc too with his energy and legs.”
James Garner became the latest player to start a game at right back due to Everton’s injury issues and Dyche said he thought the 22-year-old was “terrific” – particularly given he was struck by illness in the final stages of the week.
Mason Holgate, Seamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien, Ashley Young, Roman Dixon and Jack Harrison have all spent some time on the right of the defence in the early stages of the season.
Elsewhere, Dyche has taken confidence from the performances delivered by winger Jesper Lindstrom in his two starts this week and from moving Dwight McNeil into a central attacking position to start Iliman Ndiaye on the left.
Explaining his changes ahead of Leicester, Dyche said his approach this season showcased a willingness to try different options in a bid to solve issues. He said: “You know the definition of madness [to keep doing the same thing and hope for a different outcome], so I’ve got to look as well. We’ve changed it more than people think. Dwight in the 10, three at the back, five at the back, 4-4-1-1, 4-1-4-1.
“For someone who got told I never change anything, I must have more changes than Pep [Guardiola]. We spoke about how we could bring that feel and correct it. It just means we’ve tried to give it a different feel that can win a game.”