Mueez Ajao
– Sean Dyche’s side suffered a chastening 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle to leave them second bottom and two points off safety.
– But despite a demoralising second-half collapse against the Magpies to extend their run to one win in the last 10 games, Dyche is confident his side can avoid relegation.
– After replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January, the ex-Burnley manager’s reign started in perfect fashion with a 1-0 win against table-toppers Arsenal.
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– But there has been little to celebrate since.
– “I think we can do it,” replied Dyche when asked if they can stay up. “It is a similar side to when we beat Arsenal, so there’s evidence it can be done.
– “We need to bring the edge of that performance. We had that in the first half and it was a really good performance. Goals change games, not just the scoreline but the feel of the performance.
– “You are still in it at home but you cannot let it change the whole performance.”
– Everton supporters did their best to get behind the team before kick-off, welcoming the team coach into the stadium by lining the street outside and chanting and lighting blue flares.
– The backing continued in the first half when the side were on top, but their optimism was sapped once Callum Wilson scored the opening goal.
– The Toffees have scored multiple goals in just one of their 17 home games this season so a comeback looked highly unlikely, with further goals from Wilson – a magnificent second – Joelinton and Jacob Murphy.
– Dyche added: “Very disappointed in the end. The first half we did everything I thought what was right against a good Newcastle side. It was all there other than the goal.
– “We nearly scored a goal just before half-time and the second half we start brightly but, as soon as the second goes in, the game goes away very quickly.
– “It happened against Fulham and we have to correct that quickly.
– “It is about us, we have to correct the mistakes we have made in the last few weeks. We can all talk the talk but it is about walking the walk.”
– Everton face a massive game next against fellow strugglers Leicester on Monday, with the Foxes a point and place above them in the drop zone.
– Asked if the manner of the defeat meant his side have lost the fans, with many leaving well before the end of the match, Dyche said: “I don’t think so. The fans have been terrific, they are amazing here. They will be backing the club until the end.
– “I can’t decide for 40,000 people, but they will support the club until the end of the season.”
