Everton now 3rd in Premier League for key statistic that dispels Sean Dyche myth

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There are many misconceptions around Everton and their current style of play.

Having enjoyed a hard-working, solid core under David Moyes, his departure for Manchester United created a strange vacuum in which his successor had been given the foundation to thrive.

Roberto Martinez took that in stride during a successful first season, but as his powers waned Farhad Moshiri stepped in to begin his reign of terror at Goodison Park.

Manager after manager has passed through the dugout, with the club finally settling on Sean Dyche as their saviour, and hopefully long-term leader to take them towards a brighter, more secure future.

However, his philosophy has often drawn scrutiny in the past, with his abrasive and borderline aggressive tactics at Burnley frustrating many. Those who took that viewpoint were normally doing so due to dropping points to the stubborn outfit.

Well, it seems people are unable to admit that things have changed since he traded Lancashire for Merseyside, but fortunately, a fresh statistic has emerged to dispel the myth.

Squawka would take to X to detail the Premier League sides who rank highest for defensive interactions in the final third, including tackles, blocks and interceptions.

Whilst Arsenal sit out in front, with Tottenham Hotspur unsurprisingly not far behind, against all the odds it is the Toffees who actually sit third ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion.

It seems that, whilst many attest that Dyche prefers to sit back and defend relentlessly, their press is proving deceptively profitable.

What is Everton’s style of play under Sean Dyche?

Contrary to popular belief, Dyche’s football at Everton is far from route one.

Whilst he does show immense faith in an unrelenting verticality, seeking to move from defence into attack in an instant, the manner in which he forges those chances is perhaps not as eye-catching as the all-action pressing Liverpool once exhibited under Jurgen Klopp.

However, given their current run in the Premier League, having won their last four games without conceding, it is hard to argue with the results of the 52-year-old’s methods with the Toffees.

Having worked out a backline that perfectly encapsulates his football, the foundation for success was already built. Everything good that has come since is forged from this formation.

Able to grind out scrappy results due to this solidity, they force more and more of the opposition to overcommit in an effort to overpower such a steely defence.

This is exactly what Dyche wants though, as it offers the spaces needed for his side to then attack with speed and deadly precision, with Abdoulaye Doucoure clearly thriving within this system.

Given the number of chances they have forged this campaign, with their expected goals tally of 30.21 ranking ninth-highest in the division, it is fair to say that whatever he is doing so far is working.

So, whilst many tactical snobs might seek to lambast the ‘archaic’ football he employs, as an Everton fan it feels good to finally have a team that seems willing to battle for the badge and give the crowd the bare minimum: a tireless shift.