There are many reasons why Everton have enjoyed their recent resurgence.
Some might seek to laud the fans, and rightly so, whilst others will want the revitalised playing staff praised for turning around a sinking ship.
However, in the end, it is ultimately Sean Dyche who is the true mastermind behind the operation.
He has attested that the Toffees would return to what has brought them success in the past, as an intelligent and innovative boss who understands the working-class fanbase he represents.
We sought to pick out just four key things that have occurred, under his watch, that have seen them win nine of their last 13 games across all competitions…
Goodison Park is a fortress once again
Despite their form enjoying a minor upturn before the points deduction, fears remained as Everton only seemed able to win on the road.
Before last week, Dyche’s men had won just once in the Premier League at Goodison Park all season, and even that was against a disappointing AFC Bournemouth side.
So, facing Chelsea and Newcastle United in the space of just four days, both at home, presented an opportunity to sink or swim.
Fortunately, the latter was employed, and winning 2-0 and 3-0 respectively has returned the Old Lady to the fortress it once was. Few teams will want to come to Goodison Park now after those showings.
Sean Dyche has got the tactics right
One of the main things that Dyche saw straight away was the need for some simpler tactics.
After Rafa Benitez seemingly had no system, and Frank Lampard’s was without structure or intelligence, he took over a clueless bunch of players without any direction.
Employing a structured 4-4-1-1 philosophy, in which Abdoulaye Doucoure has suddenly shone as an offensive powerhouse, his side remains resolute and solid at the back whilst breaking forward with pace and incision.
It is a system that suits the players in it, which at this level is the least you can ask for. For Dyche to recognise that has marked a master stroke.
Everton are once again the underdog
Everton have seemingly always thrived when expectations are low.
Under David Moyes, they punched above their weight for years, and when Roberto Martinez came in he promised further progression.
However, the start of Farhad Moshiri’s tenure has since turned poisonous, with his vast fortune ushering in an era of regression and complacency.
Now, having suffered back-to-back relegation battles, the Toffees have returned to their role as the underdog. Nobody expected this run of form, which explains exactly why it has happened.
A fanbase reconnected
In a point that essentially ties into their renewed Goodison Park form, those two years of turmoil had driven a wedge between the players and their fans.
The former would employ supporters to back them every week, whilst those following their club demanded that the well-paid stars give them something to shout about.
In all honesty, there was little to like about the playing staff, who were seemingly not fighting for he club.
Dyche recognised that, and changed it in an instant.
Now a well-drilled outfit who have reconnected with the Everton faithful, at last it seems like those sections of the club are at last on the same page, both working towards a common goal.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
