“‘Disaster’ – Podcaster Criticizes Sean Dyche’s ‘Panic’ Decision in Everton’s Loss to Southampton”
Les Roberts from The Blue Room podcast slams Sean Dyche's decision to play Michael Keane up front in Everton's loss to Southampton on Saturday.
Adam Armstrong’s 85th-minute goal led Southampton to their first Premier League win of the season, defeating Everton 1-0 at St. Mary’s on Saturday, 2 November.
In a last-minute attempt to salvage a point, Everton manager Sean Dyche made a surprising tactical shift, substituting Jesper Lindstrom for Jarrad Branthwaite and positioning defender Michael Keane in a forward role.
This move sparked criticism, with BBC Radio Merseyside pundit Roberts describing it as a “disaster” and a “panic measure,” while also criticizing Dyche for failing to maximize his squad’s potential.
“He has more options this season than last, but he’s not using them effectively,” Roberts commented on BBC Radio Merseyside on 2 November.
“We created chances today but didn’t convert, and he’s just too reactive. He won’t change things or try different roles for players to make something happen.”
Roberts compared Dyche’s approach to that of Mick Lyons in the 1970s, where tactics seemed to rely on last-resort strategies. “There’s no real thought in that; it’s just a panic measure.
Throwing the ball up front with no clear plan—it feels like he’s not doing enough. He’s well-paid, has good players, and isn’t getting the most out of them. Today was a disaster.”
Before the defeat, Everton had been on a five-game unbeaten run, lifting spirits among fans.
However, the loss to Southampton has reignited scrutiny of Dyche’s decisions, both in lineup selections and in-game strategy.
His decision to start Branthwaite on the bench drew criticism, reflecting the intense pressure Premier League managers face after a single poor result.
Dyche now faces a crucial test with an opportunity to make amends when Everton takes on West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday, 9 November.
The outcome of that game could be pivotal, as Everton currently sits sixteenth in the league table after 10 matches, hovering just five points above the relegation zone.
The backdrop to Dyche’s struggles is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Everton’s ownership.
Some speculate that if not for current owner Farhad Moshiri’s impending sale of the club to Dan Friedkin (as reported by The Athletic), Dyche might already be facing a more uncertain future.
