Chris Beesley’s Everton analysis as Sean Dyche’s team continues to impress by defeating sorry Chelsea
For this Everton team, Sean Dyche has already given Abdoulaye Doucoure the nickname “Johnny on the Spot,” a moniker he previously applied to Tim Cahill, a beloved fan at Goodison Park.
Corner flags everywhere may be relieved that the Australian is retiring, but even though Marouane Fellaini would eventually inherit the role as the Blues’ hard-charging attacking midfielder, connecting the play between the forward line and the center of the park, it has been more than ten years since David Moyes left for Manchester United, taking the large Belgian with him, that they have had such a presence in their lineup until recently.
Even though Cahill was beloved by Everton supporters and rightfully earned his status as a contemporary icon, no one could ever argue that he was the team’s most skilled passer or tackler, but his amazing goal-scoring ability made him an indispensable member of the squad for eight years. Doucoure isn’t even playing up front, but he has scored 11 goals in his last 26 Premier League games.
The classic Everton battle cry, “Run, run, whoever you may be,” is raised when things get heated, but conversations with their opponents have only begun after the final whistle has blown against Chelsea and Newcastle United.
After his team lost at Goodison Park on Thursday, Nicolas Jackson, a visiting replacement, got into a brawl after the game. Jackson had just come from the “handbags” with Fabian Schar and friends. The Senegalese striker’s ability to score in the altercation is unknown, but if he did, it would be a stark contrast to his performance throughout the match, where Chelsea supporters were disappointed in his lack of intensity.
