Storm clouds are gathering over Goodison Park as Everton manager Sean Dyche faces mounting discontent from the Toffees faithful. Saturday’s goalless draw against 10-man Brentford marked the fifth stalemate in eight Premier League matches for Dyche’s struggling side, who have now gone three games without finding the net. The result leaves Everton languishing in the bottom half of the table, with a daunting December fixture list looming large.
Despite enjoying home advantage and an extra man for nearly an hour after Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard was dismissed for a studs-up challenge on Jordan Pickford, the Merseysiders were unable to capitalize. Everton started brightly but their lack of cutting edge in the final third was once again laid bare as chance after chance went begging.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied early on by a stunning reflex save from Brentford keeper Mark Flekken, while Idrissa Gueye saw a dipping effort tipped over the bar after the break. But it was the glaring miss from Vitalii Mykolenko, blazing over from close range with his weaker right foot, that summed up Everton’s attacking woes.
Brentford Dig Deep for Precious Point
For Brentford, this hard-fought draw represented a significant milestone – their first away point of the campaign after five straight defeats on the road. Manager Thomas Frank will have been delighted with the resilience and organization his depleted side showed to keep Everton at bay for nearly an hour.
The Bees had their moments too, with Mikkel Damsgaard’s incisive through ball almost providing the opener for Yoane Wissa before Pickford’s smart stop. And they could have snatched it late on, Keane Lewis-Potter forcing a save from the England keeper before Mathias Jensen fired the rebound over.
Nørgaard’s Moment of Madness
The pivotal moment came four minutes before the break when Nørgaard saw red for a high challenge that left stud marks on Pickford’s knee. While initially waved away by referee Chris Kavanagh, a VAR review and pitchside monitor check saw the Brentford skipper given his marching orders to the disbelief of the away support.
It looked a harsh decision at first glance, but Nørgaard gave the officials a decision to make. His foot was high and he made no attempt to pull out of the challenge once Pickford had bravely claimed the ball.
– Former Premier League referee, speaking on condition of anonymity
Dyche Under Mounting Pressure
For Everton boss Dyche, the heat is only increasing. Now without a win in six league games and facing a takeover by American investors, the former Burnley manager cut a desperate figure on the sidelines as his side labored against the Bees’ depleted ranks.
We’re creating chances but just not taking them at the moment. We need to be more clinical, show that killer instinct in front of goal. But I can’t fault the lads’ effort out there today.
– Sean Dyche, Everton Manager
With clashes against current top four sides Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle to come before the new year, as well as Dyche’s first return to Turf Moor to face Burnley, things could get worse before they get better for the blue half of Merseyside. The boos that greeted the final whistle suggest patience is already wearing thin among the success-starved Goodison faithful.
Beware the Angry Bees
Brentford, meanwhile, will return to west London buoyed by this battling point and with key suspensions now served, Frank will hope this can kickstart their campaign on the road. With winnable-looking away trips to Bournemouth and Southampton on the horizon, the Bees will be eyeing a climb into the top half.
We showed immense character today to dig in and take something from the game in really difficult circumstances. The sending off was extremely harsh but the boys rolled up their sleeves and were not going to be denied.
– Thomas Frank, Brentford Manager
After this gutsy rearguard action, upcoming opponents underestimate the Bees at their peril. This point could prove the catalyst for turning around their travel sickness as they look to cement their Premier League status for another year. For Everton and Dyche, however, the storm clouds only darken.
