One thing was clear from observing Sean Dyche on the touchline during his first game as Everton manager, here was someone who was going to kick every ball and challenge every decision with the same passion as those in the stands at Goodison Park. As a youngster growing up in Northamptonshire, Dyche was a self-confessed Liverpool fan from afar but nobody who saw him against Arsenal could now question his True Blue credentials.
Everton of course picked up their first three points since October 22 in defeating the Premier League leaders 1-0 and Dyche’s battling qualities could be just what they need in the weeks ahead as they look to avoid a first relegation in 72 years. The new gaffer’s demonstrative actions are in sharp contrast to the understated reaction of one of his predecessors, Carlo Ancelotti, during a dramatic Goodison goal glut on this day in 2021.
Only two years have passed since that day but Dyche – following on from Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard – is of course already the third subsequent incumbent of the Everton home dugout since then and another telling factor in the space of just 24 months has been the rapid turnover of players too. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the only Blues scorer from their 5-4 extra time FA Cup fifth round victory over Tottenham Hotspur to still be at the club with Richarlison, who netted twice; Gylfi Sigurdsson and match-winner Bernard having all since departed and the number nine was one of three in the starting line-up that night to retain their spot against the Gunners, alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure and Alex Iwobi.
