Last Saturday, Aston Villa’s defensive frailties were exposed, and their injury crisis worsened as they suffered an embarrassing 5-1 defeat. This Saturday is a chance to rectify that loss as Villa return to Villa Park to host Everton, who were also defeated on opening day.
I caught up with ‘The Everton End’ to gauge how the Everton fans are feeling ahead of the fixture.
UTV PODCAST X THE EVERTON END
In recent seasons it hasn’t been too pretty being an Everton fan. Many said that if Everton could stay up last season, they would be able to build on it and restore Premier League stability. Can you see this happening?
“Stability or steady improvement won’t be made until there is wholesale changes to the board and ownership, Dyche will try his best to mask these issues but it’s almost the impossible job”.
When the news that Ashley Young would not be given another Villa contract broke, many were understandably gutted. A few weeks later it was revealed that Everton have snapped him up. A smart move in my opinion. What would you rank your transfer business out of ten so far?
“We’re still busy in the market and need probably 3-4 players to comfortably keep our head above water. Young, Danjuma, Harrison are sensible ones giving us impact right now whilst costing us nothing upfront. Chermiti is one for the future but also low upfront cost so I’d say far about a 5 or 6 out of 10.”
Sean Dyche came into an Everton side last season that were pretty much destined for the drop. Dyche achieved his first aim by securing Premier League safety. What’s your opinion on Dyche’s stay at Everton so far?
“In all honesty he weren’t my choice, I don’t rate his football although I respect the job he done at Burnley for so long with limited resources, some of the issues he faced there are relatable to what we have here so he fits us to an extent. I think if results go against us for a period of time, he will become easy to turn against since the football is hard to watch.”
Finally, what’s your score prediction?
“Prediction, my heart says a shithouse 1-0 from a set piece to the toffees haha but the head thinks with it being your first home game + the positivity around Emery & the quality of your squad, I could easily see it being 2-0 Villa”.
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OPPOSITION FOCUS | CAN EVERTON SECURE PREMIER LEAGUE STABILITY?
Over the last few seasons, being an Everton fan hasn’t been the easiest task in the world. From failed transfer sagas to last-day relegation fights, it’s definitely been eventful being a Toffee. Having said that, the appointment of Sean Dyche has raised hopes of relative stability, something that he is renowned for.
IIn this Opposition Focus, I’ll be taking a look at the distinct style of play that Dyche has implemented at Everton. I’ll also be taking a look at how it worked in Everton’s opening-day defeat to Fulham.
Since his Burnley days, Dyche has been famous for counter-attacking play and defending leads. Let’s start with how they attack; it’s a very straightforward policy. Wingers are an integral part of the way that Everton score goals. They play from wide positions and like to whip crosses into the box for the big striker to head home. This is a system that former Burnley winger Kevin McNeil has thrived in.
Once Everton have gained the lead, attention turns to defending. Under Dyche, defending requires all hands on deck. This is why, in the majority of Everton’s games, the defenders are the ones with the highest ratings. Furthermore, Everton’s fullbacks occupy one of the deepest positions of all the Premier League fullbacks. This makes them a relatively solid unit.
So how did this style of play work against Fulham? Well, the score line pretty much typifies an Everton game. 1-0 either way in a tight game This time, Everton were unlucky to lose. While Everton created the vast majority of chances, their big issue was finishing them.
If Everton want to succeed with this style of play, they need to invest in a strong, clinical striker. Neal Maupay, sadly, is not that. Ellis Simms looked to be that clinical striker last season, but it’s since been proven that he isn’t at that level yet. It’s simple: for Everton to do well, they need a clinical striker. If not, well, it could be another difficult season for the Toffees.
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MY PREDICTION
A big statement is needed to rectify the shambles of a performance Villa put on last week. This is the perfect game to make that statement in front of a Villa Park full of expectant and slightly disappointed fans.
Everton’s history against Villa in recent seasons has not been great, especially at Villa Park. Therefore with some confidence.
I’m going to say we will convincingly beat Everton 3-0. Diaby, Tielemans and Watkins scoring.
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