Summary
While Sean Dyche took the reins of Everton’s leadership from a flailing and failing Frank Lampard, the boss was not able to weather another slow start across the Premier League and cup competitions in the 24/25 campaign. Dyche deserves respect for having kept the Blues up after taking over mid-season, as well as for having persevered through the next campaign where points were taken away from the Toffees TWICE for infractions into Financial FairPlay rules.
Yet the 2024-25 season did not show much as it concerned progress. While this author had in the past suggested that better finishing might make for a better record for the boss, subsequent events after the firing of Sean Dyche illustrated precisely why a change was necessary; it was a different sort of coaching, tactics and message that could move the team forward, and Dyche was incapable of providing that.
Another August without a Premier League victory, paired with early cup defeats, some blown leads to good sides like Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and many, many draws, meant that by the end of his time as the Blues boss this past season, only three victories were produced from start of the season to the start of 2025.
With the sale of the club to The Friedkin Group, it was inevitable that the axe would fall, and it paid dividends: A team that was struggling before the move went on to comfortably remain in the Premier League in 13th position on the league table under the guidance of David Moyes.
AFC Bournemouth v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Performance
Three wins across the first four months of the season will not keep many managers employed for long. The fight, the grit, the defense and the draws - alongside ownership questions - kept him in the position and prowling the sideline.
Old players were not producing, while questionable use of substitutes, new players, and old hats were not covering the boss or his side in glory. While injuries were also unkind to the Toffees to start the season, at least as it concerns Jarad Branthwaite and a handful of others, the progress that was quickly made after Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties highlights how much a manager and his administration impact the results of a club and its players.
Usage
4-4-1-1 was the preferred shape across 2023-24, but while Sean Dyche still experimented with different shapes, the side played more in 4-2-3-1 than any other under him this campaign - with a 4-3-3 for good measure as well.
Three victories and fifteen goals going into December was simply not sustainable. While the 4-2-3-1 perhaps offered more attacking potential for counters, there was always too much focus on defensive organization which, this season, was not terrible, but was also not as solid as it had been across the previous season and a half.
With some different instructions and a few changes, the side would find more offensive flow and rhythm, and players like Beto finally found their footing too.
Arsenal FC v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Future
Another team; and all the best to him and to them so long as they’re not in the Premier League too.
Grade: C