Report: Sean Dyche’s Decision Leaves Everton Players Stunned
Everton's Unbeaten Premier League Streak Ends in Sour Fashion with Loss to Southampton
Russell Martin felt that Everton’s tactical setup made it “difficult” for his Southampton team, acknowledging Sean Dyche’s strategic approach.
Yet, it wasn’t just the result but the way Everton played that left their fans frustrated, especially given their low 34% possession against a Southampton side that hadn’t won a match this season.
Such a low possession rate could be expected against top teams like Manchester City, but allowing a struggling team to dominate raised questions about Dyche’s tactics.
This wasn’t the only factor causing discontent, however.
A controversial decision by Sean Dyche over the weekend sent shockwaves through the Everton squad.
Specifically, his choice to leave Jarrad Branthwaite out of the starting XI against Southampton surprised both fans and players alike.
Branthwaite, a defender many Everton supporters regard highly, had seen very limited action, playing only six minutes across the matches against Southampton and Fulham, despite being fully fit after recovering from an injury.
According to TalkSPORT, the Toffees’ dressing room was surprised by Branthwaite’s exclusion from the lineup.
Former Everton player Michael Ball didn’t hold back in criticizing Dyche’s decision to bench Branthwaite.
He voiced sentiments similar to those felt by many in Merseyside.
Ball said, “He’s got Jarrad Branthwaite, the best defender at the club, sat on the bench for most of the game, so he’s leaving himself open for criticism and asking for trouble with the fans if he doesn’t win games.
Unless there are changes, I fear he could start losing the fans and even the players, if he hasn’t done so already.”
Judging by the reaction to Branthwaite’s exclusion, it appears Dyche might indeed be losing some players’ confidence, especially when considering the performance in hindsight.
After the game, Jesper Lindstrom openly mentioned how disappointing the team’s performance was against Southampton, adding to the growing sense of discontent surrounding Everton’s current approach.
