Everton fans will never forget that game against Bournemouth at Goodison Park back in May 2023.
The Toffees needed three points to ensure Leicester did not hop into 17th place and send Everton down to the Championship for the first time ever, and got exactly that thanks to a stunner from Abdoulaye Doucoure in the 57th minute.
However, the 1-0 win could have been a lot less nervy had more Everton players been up for the battle, as Sean Dyche has now suggested to Henry Winter that some tried to wimp out of the game.
What impressed you most about that win against Burnley? 👏
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse.
Sean Dyche opts not to shut down “cowardice” label as “nameless” Everton players criticised
The 54-year-old refused to reveal which players attempted to back out of that clash against Bournemouth, but seemed to agree with Winter accusing the anonymous figures of “cowardice” on the day.
Dyche said: “A turgid week that, you know. We were down to brass tacks, we had injuries everywhere, we had players – who will remain nameless – who didn’t want to play, almost.”
After Winter called it “cowardice” and was visibly shocked by that comment, the former Everton boss said: “Oh goodness me, I’ve got a million stories in football.”
Winter continued to push Dyche on the matter, saying: “Sorry, that is everything you don’t stand for.”
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The man from Kettering seemed to be unwilling to go any further, simply repeating: “Well, I’ve got more stories than that, trust me.”
With significant financial issues under Farhad Moshiri during that period, relegation would have been absolutely catastrophic for Everton.
The future of the club was genuinely at risk, so whoever tried not to play in that game against Bournemouth should hang their head in shame.
The eight players who were not in the squad for Everton 1-0 Bournemouth
It may never be revealed which players attempted to dodge this crucial game, but the eight who missed out on the matchday squad for that seismic win can be seen below.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Hamstring injury)
Nathan Patterson (Hamstring injury)
Seamus Coleman (Knee injury)
Vitalii Mykolenko (Thigh/Quad injury)
Ben Godfrey (Groin injury)
Tom Davies (Hamstring injury)
Ruben Vinagre (Achilles injury)
Andros Townsend (ACL recovery)
Does Sean Dyche get enough credit for his spell at Everton? 🤔
He worked under difficult financial circumstances 😫
An overview of Sean Dyche's record as the Everton manager.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Steele
All of them were said to be injured, so it is hard to tell who Dyche is referring to – Everton fans can only guess as to which players actively wanted to sit out.
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