Everton have started the Premier League season off in the worst possible fashion, losing both games, conceding seven goals across them, and failing to find the net themselves.
Yesterday’s crushing defeat at Tottenham Hotspur was to be expected, but it was their opening-day disaster at home to Brighton and Hove Albion that has really stuck the knife in, and ramped up the pressure on Sean Dyche before the new Premier League campaign has even really got underway.
Supporters are torn on the 53-year-old, with many claiming that his time is up after he once again omitted Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien from the starting side.
However, the rest of the fanbase attest that without the former Burnley boss they would be playing Championship football now, which is almost certainly true.
Yesterday, he made one particularly bold call which would have pleased most fans, as he opted to start Roman Dixon at right-back.
After a really tough debut, Dyche has since given his review.
Roman Dixon makes his Everton debut vs Spurs
Although it was only brief, touching on the 19-year-old’s competency in what was arguably one of the toughest times to make a first senior start, the Everton manager could be nothing but complimentary for the teenage speedster who gave a solid account of himself in north London.
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Expected to face the formidable trio of Heung-min Son, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie, who all often occupy similar spaces on their left flank, many feared that the inexperienced Dixon would get overrun.
But, on occasion, he was seen getting the better of fellow debutant Wilson Odobert, even if in possession he left a little to be desired.
As noted earlier, Dyche’s assessment was only short, but it certainly suggested an element of pride after there had been an inkling that Dixon would start at Spurs.
He told Sky Sports: ‘Young Roman has done terrific. Tough game for him, but he has done terrific, he has stuck to task.’
How did Roman Dixon play vs Tottenham Hotspur?
Naturally very keen to impress, but hamstrung due to his defensive responsibilities, it was hard for Dixon to make the impression he likely wanted to yesterday.
That, as well as their regressing youth production, has seemingly resulted in a failure to produce a starring player from their academy, who has risen up to cement a first-team spot.
Well, the teenager in question might just have made a case for at least another start, with Ashley Young’s suspension ongoing whilst Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Nathan Patterson all scramble for fitness.
On the ball, Dixon was disappointing, swallowed by the stresses that Spurs’ press induced.
However, defensively, against a skilful and paced Frenchman, he more than held his own, making five tackles, two clearances and one interception whilst also winning three of his five ground duels.
Crucially, he was not dribbled past once.
With a home match against AFC Bournemouth now on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Dixon will be trusted again.
What’s for certain is that Dyche needs to win this match, or else face the full force of a fanbase just waiting to boil over.