Everton’s PSR nightmare does cast a long shadow but I also think the Bournemouth 3-2 defeat is also casting a long shadow. And these two shadows could define our season.
The Independent Commission examining Everton’s second PSR breach said that the issue of stadium interest payments was too complicated for them to resolve so they suspended judgement until some unspecified time.
It’s quite incredible that the Commission decided not to put a line under Everton’s case, and instead left the door open for the Premier League to have another go at the Club. Eight points deducted has not been enough for them, apparently, and when a newspaper article appears on the subject I can’t help thinking there is yet another charge on the way.
With this in mind, Everton’s current position in the league is very worrying, especially when you look at the December fixtures.
In my opinion, there are two ways to look at the season so far.
After a disastrous start with four straight defeats, things have settled down and there has only been one defeat in seven games.
The other way to look at things is only two wins in eleven games, with five defeats, and a very poor standard of football.
I don’t think Dyche’s negative football is working either. The opposition are still creating way too many chances. On another day we could have lost that game to West Ham.
We are six points down on what I expected at the start of the season. The two games we should have won are Southampton away and Bournemouth at home.
We were unlucky to lose the Southampton game; we did have a good goal disallowed and did have four good chances to take the lead before they scored. But I was left with the feeling that, if only we had gone for it right from the start, the game was ours for the taking.
The Bournemouth game, I think, was the game that made Dyche stick to his ultra-cautious ways. There have been games where I couldn’t help thinking, with a bit more positivity, we could have won them: Newcastle, Southampton, West Ham to name three.
Just a bit more positivity could make all the difference. Branthwaite is back; Tarkowski said he is back to full fitness; Mangala and Gueye are forming a solid midfield pair; and, if Ndiaye was moved to the Number 10 role, I think our midfield would be looking quite strong.
We have McNeil and Harrison who can play on the left and we now have Lindstrøm showing signs that he might come good on the right.
I also think that Doucouré would give the team a different alternative if he was played on the right. He works hard, he is a goal threat, he could cut inside and give Calvert-Lewin valuable support, and of course Dyche likes to have him in the team.
It shouldn’t be overlooked that Patterson and Coleman can also do a job wide right. I would prefer a fully fit Seamus at right-back though. Young has done a job there but I think Seamus can give the team more going forward.
Brentford is yet another massive game and it is definitely not going to be easy but, with the right team and positive attitude, there is no reason why we can’t put in a good performance, and – ref and VAR decisions aside – win it. We certainly cannot afford to lose it.
This then brings us to the Man Uted game, and typical of our luck, their new manager’s first home game. They will be buzzing. If we sit back and go on the defensive, we will be inviting trouble. Our best chance, in my opinion, would be to take the game to them, early on, and see if we can pinch an early goal. One thing for certain: if VAR can help United out in any way, it will!
But there are points we can pick up before Christmas and, with just a little bit more positivity, it will make a big difference to team performances.
Dyche must get some credit for steering the team to safety last season, in very difficult circumstances, but now is the time for him to show he can get the team playing with a bit more style and positivity.
Like I have said, we can have a strong midfield, we can have different options on the wings, and we must stay away from the Bottom 3 because I have the awful feeling we haven’t seen the last of the vindictive and unjust points deductions.