Everton started the festive period well with three positive results against the Premier League big boys, but successive defeats to Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have left a negative feeling in the air this new year.
The Toffees suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, which leaves them just two points above the drop zone.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 22 |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 19 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 17 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 16 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 19 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 33 | -15 | 15 |
Everton’s five-game winless run has seen them score just once in a 1-1 draw away at Manchester City, so clearly Sean Dyche’s pragmaticism is coming at the detriment of the forward players.
Iliman Ndiaye has been the only real bright spark in attack but even then, he’s struggled to really make a direct impact with goals and assists.
A striker is clearly needed in the January transfer window and Everton have been linked with Evan Ferguson.
But even if they were to land Ferguson, Dyche would still need to make some serious changes to his system – which just simply isn’t allowing his attackers to flourish.
Many Everton fans have called for Dyche to be sacked for that very reason and now former world champion boxer Tony Bellew has shared his thoughts on whether the club should make a change in the dugout.
Tony Bellew backs Dyche to stay at Everton
Speaking on Joey Barton’s podcast, Tony Bellew was asked what his thoughts on Sean Dyche are, amid calls for him to be sacked.
“The job he’s done and saving us the way he did on a few occasions has been unreal because he’s dealt with one hand behind his back the whole time he’s been there,” Bellew explained.
“At the same time, I understand and get what people are going on about the football and the style and all of that – it’s not the most positive.
“But I’m not going to lie mate, with what he’s had and what he’s actually done, I don’t think there’s a manager in the whole league who’d do a better job than what he’s done, with what he’s got.
“I’m not saying it’s great, listen, I think it’s nine wins in a calendar 12 months, it’s just not good enough.
“But I don’t think anyone could save us mate.”
Friedkin Group want David Moyes if things get worse
Everton News understands that if things get worse under Dyche, the Friedkin Group would turn to David Moyes on an interim basis.
Though, that appears to be a last resort, as the new ownership would much prefer to wait until the summer before making a change.
It’s thought the Friedkin’s believe finding Dyche’s long-term successor will be a lot easier once the season has finished.
So for now, Dyche is set to remain in post.
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