Sky Sports pundit ‘really shocked’ after what Sean Dyche did to Dwight McNeil in Everton’s defeat to Southampton

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Sean Dyche is on thin ice at Everton, by all accounts, with last night’s defeat unlikely to dig him out of any holes.

After all, it represented something of a free hit, unburdened by the pressures of Premier League football.

Yet, the team reverted back to their usual profligate and anxious selves, leaving Goodison Park frustrated and miserable.

However, of all the decisions made by Sean Dyche, one in particular stood out as the most baffling, with even Glenn Murray questioning the manager’s methods.

Glenn Murray reacts to odd Sean Dyche tactical decision

Speaking live on Sky Sports News just last night (17/09, 7:54 pm), the former Brighton and Hove Albion striker did not hold back in his criticism of one Dyche tactical tweak.

After all, he saw it as sacrificial, and had noticed it after just ten dismal minutes.

Murray explained: ‘One thing that I have noticed, though, which has really shocked me is Dwight McNeil, who I think has been really good further forward for Everton in the ten this year, he is playing left-back tonight.

‘When you have got somebody who is so good going forward, why sacrifice him at the back? What’s more important?’

It is a fair comment, and one that the manager did seek to rectify later on. Although, Everton fans booed his decision to bring on Ashley Young despite the tactical switch around that change offered.

Dwight McNeil has been a standout for Everton this season

Murray makes a fine point given how Dwight McNeil has quite comfortably been Everton’s standout player this season.

A creative marvel who is consistently let down by his teammates, no player in the entire Premier League has more chances created than the 24-year-old (17), yet he has just two assists to his name.

Adding a goal to that tally, the decision to start him at left-back left many baffled, especially considering that from just behind the striker he is averaging 4.3 key passes per game in the Premier League.

He alone is spearheading their attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin having already benefitted through his two league goals despite missing plenty more opportunities too.

If the rest of the squad can raise their quality and work rate to McNeil’s level, there’s no way they’d be in the predicament they are.