Everton are still without a win in the Premier League in 2024 after they earned a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday (24 February).
The Toffees kept it tight in the first half but the game opened up in the second half when Jarrad Branthwaite scored a cracking goal from 15 yards out. Things went from bad to worse for Brighton when Billy Gilmour was sent off for a studs-up lunge on Amadou Onana’s ankle.
Everton were cruising for a crucial victory but Lewis Dunk broke their heart with a stoppage-time goal. They winless run now extends to nine games and they sit perilously close to the relegation zone.
There was another setback for Dyche and Everton during the game. Midfielder Irissa Gueye had to be replaced at the start of the second half due to a groin injury. Dyche said that Gueye initially felt that he would be alright to continue but his groin “seized up”. Amadou Onana replaced him.
“Idrissa had to come off. He said he was fine at half-time, but his groin seized up. It’s too early to tell,” said Dyche.
Everton need to win games
Under Dyche, Everton have shown signs of progress this season, but they are badly struggling at the moment.
The ten-point deduction was really harsh and Everton are anxiously waiting to know the outcome of their appeal, which is supposed to arrive at some point before the end of this month.
However, this is something that is beyond their control at the moment. What should be equally frustrating is that the Toffees are failing to pick up wins. At Brighton, they should have picked up a win, especially after the home side went down to ten men.
The approach at times has been very rigid from the Toffees. Dyche will be disappointed with the performances of some of his players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin who is currently making up the numbers without contributing enough.
Gueye, 34, has made 17 starts in the Premier League this season, and Dyche will hope that his injury is not serious. He already missed some games this season with a calf injury and it seems he has picked up another fresh injury.
