Sean Dyche calls on Everton to produce a complete performance against Leicester

The Toffees are still looking for their first point after four defeats

Author: Eleanor CrooksPublished 21st Sep 2024

Sean Dyche wants Everton to show they can put a performance together when they take on Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Toffees are still looking for their first point after four defeats, with the most recent two against Bournemouth and Aston Villa coming despite them taking two-goal leads.

A trip to Leicester, who are also winless following their return to the top flight, offers another chance for Everton to get off the mark.

Boss Dyche said: "Just because they've been promoted, it doesn't mean they're not a good outfit. They've still got some good players. They've kept hold of a number of players who've played in the Premier League.

"We've got to go there with the right frame of mind. The segments of our performances, scoring two away and two at home, we've got to remember that we can score goals but obviously we've got to do better with the defensive side of things and find that balance over 90 whatever minutes of play. That's the challenge that's right in front of us."

Critics have highlighted Everton's lack of possession so far, but Dyche does not see that as something that needs to be fixed per se, saying: "Winning changes perceptions, it's as simple as that.

"No one mentioned our lack of possession at the end of last season, five home wins, beating Liverpool. These are the challenges of modern management. When things are going against you, everything gets mentioned, everything gets dissected, picked to bits.

"All I'm looking for is to, hopefully, find a way that Evertonians can be proud of the team for the way they're playing, and hopefully win of course."

Dyche has not been helped by an injury and illness crisis that contributed to him selecting four teenagers in his squad for the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Southampton.

He is hoping to have senior figures like James Tarkowski, Vitalii Mykolenko and Dominic Calvert-Lewin back this weekend, while there is also positive news about key defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old has not played this season following groin surgery during the summer but is due to make an appearance for the under-21s this weekend.

Dyche is keeping his fingers firmly crossed that Branthwaite stays on track for a first-team return, saying: "It's a boost if he comes through it, that's the main thing.

"I don't like talking about players' injuries because you never know but, if he comes through this next period and then he's fit and ready, of course it's a boost because he's a very good player."

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