EBL

It's a defensive approach which often lacks pressure in the first lines of the opposition's build-up which is why Everton can concede a lot of possession in these games. But it's back to back 0-0's against Arsenal/Chelsea. See, the last line engagement is actually quite high.

Not so high that Everton are vulnerable to balls in behind, and not so passive against it in the midfield lines that teams can easily access these areas before playing quickly in behind. It prevents teams from simply sustaining pressure. They hold possession in deep build-up.

It's masterful coaching and is partly enabled by Everton's qualities when they 'close and kick'. Pickford kicks it quite far + they have lots of physicality in midfield and attack to compete, get the team up the pitch and to carry in transition (Ndiaye - a really nice addition).

Where frustration can mount for Everton fans with Dyche is with how passive it *can* be though in terms of high pressing. Dyche is capable of implementing top class presses. It's an underrated trait of his. And Everton *could* match up against teams like this more often.

But the thing about it is they don't. When the opposition circulate along the first line Everton's wingers *could* jump to get pressure on the ball when the opposition #8 is in midfield and not in the last line (in these moments they have to track all the way back into defence).

If Everton defended in more of a 4-2-3-1 and let two #6's manage the opposition #8's they could try to release their wingers more often to get pressure on the ball. It ain't Dyche's preference, though, and I can see why because they often do well against the top teams.

There is more to extract out of this Everton group, though. They have creativity, guile, dynamism, athleticism, hard-working players, & midfielders who can pass and put their foot on the ball. Would like to see more consistent aggression from Dyche. Conceding territory is risky.