Everton are taking on Chelsea this weekend in the Premier League – and there will likely be a huge feel-good factor around Goodison Park.
The Friedkin Group are now officially the new owners of Everton, and fans are buzzing for the new era.
It’s thought The Friedkin Group will be sticking by manager Sean Dyche despite there having been pressure on him for a while now.
Director of football Kevin Thelwell also has the seal of approval from The Friedkin Group for now.
But Dyche will need to start picking up positive results if he’s to see out the season.
It’s just 15 points taken from 15 games so far and Everton are just three points above the relegation zone.
Everton would be in much deeper trouble had it not been for the relative defensive solidity this season, but pundit Paul Merson believes the way Everton play under Dyche cannot be enjoyable for fans.
Paul Merson drops anti-Sean Dyche verdict some Everton fans will agree with
Sean Dyche manager of Everton gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 i...
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Paul Merson has been looking ahead to the weekend fixtures in the Premier League.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Everton face Chelsea, and it will be a stern test for the hosts with Enzo Maresca’s side flying at the moment.
But Everton managed to get a draw against Arsenal last weekend with a huge defensive effort at the London Stadium.
There was little in the way of attacking threat though, and Merson – no doubt frustrated at seeing his old club held by Everton – has taken a swipe at the style of football under Dyche.
Predicting a 2-0 win for Chelsea, he told Sportskeeda: “Everton will make life difficult for Chelsea with how they play under Sean Dyche. But honestly, if you’re a fan of them, you don’t want to be seeing that every week.
“It’s just backs against the wall, they sit back and do nothing. I expect Chelsea to slice them open at some point in this game and it will be a massive result for the visitors at Goodison Park.”
Some Everton fans will agree
There will be plenty of Everton fans out there who actually agree with Merson’s verdict on Dyche-ball.
The 53-year-old has never been known for playing pretty football, and we’ve seen Everton defend with backs to the wall plenty of times during his tenure.
It is right that The Friedkin Group will keep him in place at least for now.
But most Everton fans would be stunned if Dyche was still in the hotseat for the start of next season, even if Everton happened to get relegated to the Championship.
One would imagine a more glamorous name will be on the agenda before long.
Related Posts