Everton endured a tough start to the new Premier League season but they’re beginning to find some rhythm.
Though, they’re still recovering from their poor start as they reside in 16th place having won just twice in their opening nine games.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 11 |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -4 | 9 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 16 | -6 | 9 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 6 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 9 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 20 | -11 | 4 |
Sean Dyche’s future at the club was in doubt at one stage and there was even talk of Gareth Southgate taking over at Everton.
That’s died down now but there’s still pressure on the former Burnley boss to find his next win ahead of this weekend’s clash against Southampton.
Southampton’s squad have been hit by a virus so they could be without arguably their best player Flynn Downes.
In the build-up to the South Coast encounter, a worrying statistic has now just come to light.
Everton bottom of average possession statistic in Premier League
Since Dyche’s arrival at the start of 2023, Everton have reverted to a more pragmatic approach which has helped them avoid relegation in successive seasons.
For the most part, the Merseysiders have been pretty resolute defensively during his tenure but that has come at the cost of possession.
In fact, according to EPL analytics, Everton have the lowest average possession across the entire Premier League, clocking in at 38.27.
Though, perhaps it’s not necessarily a bad thing, as Forest, who rank in 19th, are flying high this season in seventh place.
Pragmatic style suits Everton
Dyche has assembled a squad that is geared to play pragmatic football, with two physically imposing centre-halves and a traditional number nine in Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Beto.
The midfield pivot of Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure further evidence that notion, so under the current regime, the possession statistics aren’t expected to improve much, if at all.
That’s often been a criticism of Dyche’s, so perhaps the time will come when the ownership decides to appoint a more attacking-minded manager.
Everton should certainly stick with Dyche until they’re settled in their new stadium.
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