Sean Dyche 'Super-Proud' Of Everton Team As Transfer Window Shuts

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Sean Dyche expressed immense pride in his Everton team and the staff working to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Despite losing their first two Premier League matches with a combined score of 7-0, Everton secured a 3-0 victory against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup. They now face an important early-season match against Bournemouth at Goodison Park.

Everton's financial difficulties are well-known, but they aim to add new players before Friday's deadline. Midfielder Orel Mangala is close to joining on loan from Lyon, and a winger is also being targeted. Dyche remains satisfied with the efforts made during this transfer window.

Dyche provided an update on the squad's fitness ahead of the weekend's home game against AFC Bournemouth. He mentioned that no offers had been received for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and that they continue to maintain open communication with all players.

"We've been as active as we could be with the signings and trying to bring in players who can operate immediately and also grow into the club in the Premier League," said Dyche. "That's a big challenge. We want them to do that, and obviously the players that have been here before."

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye scored on his first start of the season against Doncaster midweek. With Everton struggling to create scoring opportunities in their initial league games, Ndiaye has a chance to shine against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been involved in more shots following a ball carry than any other player in the Premier League this season, with five shots and three chances created.

Match Prediction: Draw

Bournemouth head to Goodison Park having drawn both of their league fixtures so far. Opta's model suggests another draw is likely. The last team to draw their opening three games was Wolves in 2019-20, while West Brom drew their first three 1-1 matches in 2004-05.

Andoni Iraola has only won two of his 14 league matches in August across his spells with Mirandes, Rayo Vallecano, and Bournemouth (D5 L7). Bournemouth are winless in nine August games overall (D4 L5) since beating Aston Villa on MD1 of the 2022-23 season.

As of August 30, Everton will have spent 14 days at the bottom of the Premier League table this season, matching their longest duration since 2009-10. If they remain in 20th place after this game, they will join Wimbledon (1996-97/1997-98) and West Ham (2017-18/2018-19) as teams finishing August at the bottom for consecutive seasons.

Historical Context

The omens are not favourable for Everton. They have lost all five of their Premier League games in August under Dyche without scoring a goal. Dyche’s win ratio in August stands at just 12.5%, the lowest among managers who have overseen more than ten games during this month.

Everton are one of only four Premier League teams to lose their opening two matches without scoring while conceding seven or more goals. The others include Leicester City (2001-02), Wigan Athletic (2010-11), and Norwich City (2021-22).

However, Everton have a strong home record against Bournemouth, winning six out of seven Premier League encounters at Goodison Park. The only exception was a 3-1 defeat on the final day of the 2019-20 season.

Opta Win Probability

"I'm super-proud of everyone here and what they've given to the cause," Dyche stated emphatically. "They've given a lot over the last couple of seasons, especially those who have been here longer."

The added players coming in are expected to develop an attachment to Everton and adopt its work ethic to deliver results on the pitch.