Everton really needed this

Sean Dyche and Everton were in dire need of a night like this.

In recent weeks, concerns about facing a fourth consecutive struggle against relegation increased, leading to growing pressure on manager Dyche. With a challenging holiday schedule approaching, securing three more points to create a greater cushion between the team and the relegation zone was becoming increasingly important.

Then came Wednesday night, where Everton triumphed over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a score of 4-0. This marked their first home victory since late September and just their second win at Goodison Park this season.

Supporters lingered after the match ended to chant Spirit of the Blues, excited players hugged each other, and club captain Seamus Coleman pumped his fist as he headed down the tunnel. In that moment, it felt like we were back in last season—both in the stands and on the field.

That's actually a good thing.

Dyche has played a role in several of Everton's problems this season, as the team has found it difficult to match the performance that earned them 48 points prior to penalties for violating profitability and sustainability regulations in 2023-24.

In an effort to demonstrate to potential new owners at The Friedkin Group that he can transform the club into a more modern and forward-thinking entity, he may have strayed too far from the strategies that previously brought some success last season. Not only has Everton struggled, failing to score in seven out of their first 13 games this season—more than any other team in the league—but they've also allowed three or more goals in a match five times.

After gathering just two points out of a possible 15 in their last five matches, the team appeared to be struggling to define themselves. They had lost their previous strengths, like effectively handling set pieces and keeping their opponents from scoring.

As discontent among the fans increased, Dyche had to make crucial decisions on Wednesday, and for the most part, he succeeded. The approach was similar to before: reverting back to last season’s 4-4-1-1 formation, with Abdoulaye Doucoure playing the No. 10 role instead of Dwight McNeil. The strategy involved more aggressive pressing from the front and an emphasis on making the most of set pieces.

Mangala, who added stability to the midfield, following his goal (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Doucoure is an interesting choice for the No. 10 position. Unlike Iliman Ndiaye, he doesn’t have the same light touch, nor does he match McNeil's ability to strike the ball effectively. At times, he can be a bit awkward, lacks finesse, and has difficulty delivering decisive passes.

However, he continues to be Dyche’s reliable tactical option for a good reason. When he’s on the pitch, Everton’s pressing becomes more organized, they effectively disrupt enemy attacks, and he can step in as an additional central midfielder when necessary.

"It's beneficial because Doucs brings a lot of energy and intensity to the game," said his teammate Orel Mangala. "He sets the example for pushing forward, which is crucial."

"The intensity we brought right from the start was noticeable. We made a choice to apply strong pressure on them from the very beginning, and that was the key difference compared to our previous matches."

By kicking off with greater energy and assertiveness, Everton managed to engage the Goodison crowd more effectively than they had in quite a while.

It wasn't without its flaws. Wolves managed to exploit gaps in Everton's defense early on, and the home team’s attempts to control the ball were filled with mistakes. Jorgen Strand Larsen wasted some chances in the first half and hit the post later in the game.

After Ashley Young scored from a free kick, Everton's confidence noticeably surged. This marked their first goal since October 26, ending a 370-minute goal drought. From that point on, the match became a showcase of Everton's strength in set pieces and Wolves' weaknesses in defending them. All four of Everton's goals came from these situations, highlighting Dyche's heavy reliance on set-piece opportunities.

"The analysts and team do a fantastic job handling the set pieces," remarked the Everton manager. "The execution was top-notch throughout most of the set pieces, especially Youngy's goal."

"Getting things done is crucial, as is the motivation and determination to see tasks through to the end. It serves as a reminder of our potential and how much we can achieve."

Dyche is likely to be satisfied with the performance of several of his other adjustments. Mangala brought stability to the midfield, completing 28 out of 29 passes and contributing by scoring the second goal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up smoothly after taking Beto's place in the starting lineup. Both players were greeted with warm applause from the crowd, and it was striking to see how many of his teammates gathered around him after Everton scored their fourth goal. Although the goal was originally credited to him, it was later changed to be another own goal by Craig Dawson.

Calvert-Lewin played a key role in the attack, which ultimately resulted in Dawson scoring an own goal. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

A painful 2-1 loss to Wolves at home in December 2022 marked one of the last moments of Frank Lampard's tenure as Everton manager. However, this time things were different. Wolves, having allowed 36 goals in their last 14 matches, appeared to be more fragile and defensively weak than any other team Everton has faced this season.

The impressive outcome boosts Dyche’s position, but it also increases the pressure on his rival at Molineux, Gary O’Neil, whose job is now probably facing significant scrutiny.

Everton must make significant improvements, as they have upcoming matches against the current top four teams: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

This was an essential boost to their confidence and a great reminder of how capable they can be with set pieces when executed properly. However, it's still up to Dyche to address Everton's challenges in open play. For instance, Ndiaye struggled to make an impact until he moved to the left side in the second half.

The journey towards progress will probably require motivating him and others to give their best, all while maintaining Wednesday's strong performance in the air.

"The players put on an excellent show," Dyche remarked. "I expressed to them this week just how proud I am of their efforts. They've faced numerous challenges here, much like I have. It can be difficult for the players at times, so to see them rise to the occasion once more is truly gratifying."

"We understand that this is just one of many steps forward. While we have a long way to go, it's still an encouraging progress given how we approached our work."

It's been some time since Dyche and his team enjoyed a game as uplifting as this one. The timing couldn't be better.

(Featured image: A young player rushes off celebrating after scoring the first goal. Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

Since 2019, Patrick Boyland has served as The Athletic's correspondent for Everton. Before his tenure at The Athletic, he gained experience at ESPN, Mail Online, and the press agency Sportsbeat, where he reported on various significant sporting events. His insights on Everton are frequently requested by both local and national media, and he often appears on several podcasts that discuss the club. You can follow him on Twitter at @Paddy_Boyland.