How Sean Dyche led Everton through the most difficult of seasons by “juggling sand”
Goodison Park would not see a pitch invasion this time.
On the field, Everton was jubilant to have survived another Premier League season despite extremely difficult circumstances, including overcoming two point deductions (for a total of eight) and multiple off-field issues. However, the team’s triumph was somewhat subdued in comparison to previous seasons.
Even though there is still room for more drama in this chaotic season, they are currently 11 points ahead of Luton Town, who are currently in third place, with two games remaining.
This was not the wild joy of the 3-2 comeback triumph over Crystal Palace two years prior, nor the balanced, contradictory feelings of the thrilling victory against Bournemouth on the last day of the previous season, which had seen Everton escape certain annihilation after civil strife had threatened to swallow the team.
This time around, the reality was somewhat more straightforward, at least in terms of averting last-season anxiety. With three consecutive victories at home and a 2-0 victory in the Merseyside derby smackdab in between, Everton was able to avoid yet another heartbreaking season finale on the field. That’s in spite of the cutbacks, cash problems, a botched takeover attempt, and existential worries about the club’s future.
The manager of Burnley who defied the odds to lead the team into Europe in his previous position, Sean Dyche, called keeping the team in the playoffs this season his “greatest” accomplishment as a manager since there have been so many problems and challenges to overcome.
It’s a fitting metaphor that Dyche has compared leading Everton during this difficult time to “juggling sand.” This was not a situation that was entirely within their control or that was readily subdued.
Morale suffered as a result of the season’s frequent setbacks. Even he was showing indications of weariness from this demanding, difficult campaign. Those who were close to the squad occasionally questioned whether they had the strength to get back up and try again.
There are still ominous clouds hanging over the 777 Partners takeover, which looks like it may never end. An American lawsuit alleging millions of dollars in fraud has been filed against the Miami-based investment group.
That may lead to a dismal future off the field, but as they have demonstrated time and time again, this is a team, a manager, and a bunch of players with a strong sense of survival on the field.
This relative breathing space did not seem to be in the cards even a few weeks ago.
The 6-0 away loss to Chelsea in mid-April was a low point; it was an evening when Dyche’s players produced their most unimpressive performance of the year, raising concerns about the team’s cohesiveness and the manager’s capacity to pull them out of the mud.
