Everton v Brighton - Saturday 4th November 2023

DYCHE ON FINDING BALANCE AHEAD OF BRIGHTON TEST

Sean Dyche insists attacking freedom, along with a more balanced squad mentality, has helped his side to improve in recent weeks.

Only six teams have accumulated more points over the past six Premier League matches than Everton, who welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Goodison Park on Saturday (3pm GMT).

The Toffees arrive into the fixture in fine form, having earned victories in five of their past seven outings.

Those wins include a 3-0 victory over Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, and a 1-0 triumph at West Ham in their most recent league contest.

Nevertheless, there is still work to do, insists Dyche, who identifies a growing mental toughness as a reason for the Blues’ upturn in form.

“What you’re constantly looking for is the consistency of the mentality – win or lose,” said Dyche, speaking in Thursday’s pre-match press conference at Finch Farm. “I felt when I got here, and it’s still there in some ways, that it’s super high when the team wins, and it drops off radically when they lose.

“I said to the team that we have to find a more level view of it, and really stick to our guns with our performance levels.

“To go back to when I started, I said: ‘Respect and admire the past, but build a future.’ The best [Everton] teams had a grittiness and a determination – an edge to their performance, as well as being able to play.

“I think we’re searching for that, and still trying to find that combination.

“Of course, winning helps with that, but I think the players have been consistent with it – the tougher team ethic, so harder to beat at one end of the pitch, and hopefully, causing more trouble for the opposition at the other end. We’re beginning to find that balance.

“It’s still a work in progress, but currently, it’s paying us back because I think the performance levels have been high, and we’re now getting the outcomes.”

Along with an enhanced mental edge, Dyche notes the improving offensive play as a key positive in recent weeks.

In the Toffees' past two matches at Goodison Park, they have netted six goals during two 3-0 victories against both Bournemouth in the Premier League, and Burnley in Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup win.

“I’m always hungry for more,” said Dyche. “I felt that we should have more points in the board. I think the players do, but they’re now beginning to add to the performances from early in the season by adding that hard edge to defend properly and defend with that resolute nature.

“And equally, attack with that bit more freedom and to score goals and feel free to score goals, particularly at Goodison. That’s what we’ve got to change, and we are beginning to change that.

“Our chance count is slightly less, but the finishing is improving. We’re getting goals from other positions as well – not just relying on a striker, so we’re pleased with that.

“There’s no two ways about it – that winning mentality - it grows, and the more wins you get, the more it grows. So, we want to continue that, whilst realising we’re playing a really good side in Brighton.”

Evertonians will have fond memories of the Blues’ most recent game against Brighton. Back in May, Dyche’s side stunned the Seagulls with a 5-1 win on the south coast.

It was Everton’s biggest win of the campaign and, according to Dyche, his side’s execution of the gameplan was the best it’s been under his management.

The Blues manager recognises the tactical battle that awaits, and knows that finding the right balance will be crucial against Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

“I think tactically it was [the best performance so far],” said Dyche, reflecting on last season’s emphatic win. “It wasn’t necessarily the best performance overall.

“You have to be tactically right, but you have to impose yourself upon the game, as well. I thought we did that very well away from home last season.

“We’ll have to do that again with them coming up to Goodison. There’s a good feel about the team and a good feel about Goodison at the moment, so we have to use all of those things to our advantage.

“We know they’re a passing side, who often want to break through the middle of the pitch. The biggest thing of all is that you have to be tactically aware. I think teams that have done well [against Brighton] have delivered good tactical performances, as well as finding their own way into the game.

“It often is, but it's a balance between being aware of the opposition, but then also playing your own game. Finding that balance is important. We did that towards the end of last season, but we have to do it again because they’re showing they’re a very good side.”

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