How Everton’s Defence Has Improved From Early Season Slump

The Everton defence struggled in the early part of the season, but amid a difficult run of fixtures, they had proven they are once again one of the better defensive sides. In the first four games, the Toffees conceded 13 goals. In the following 14 matches, they have conceded just 11. This improvement has kept the club outside the relegation zone despite their ineffective attack.

How Everton Have Improved Their Defence During This Season

Jarrad Branthwaite Is Irreplaceable In the Everton Defence

Jarrad Branthwaite’s return could not come soon enough for the Toffees. The former Carlisle United centre-back is by far Everton’s best defender. In his nine games started they have conceded just eight goals, four of those in one game away at Old Trafford.

The towering defender has helped earn five clean sheets when starting and is on track to be one of Everton’s players of the season. But his tenure at Goodison Park could end shortly, the club holding onto the prospect despite interest from clubs across Europe.

Return to a Traditional Midfield Three

Sean Dyche has long favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation. But recent fixtures have seen the team turn to a more traditional three-man midfield. Abdoulaye Doucoure has often been used in a second-striker role but lost his place this season to more creative options.

Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye were favoured for their ability going forward. But the goals still didn’t come. In this time Doucoure dropped back into the midfield double pivot, partnered with either Orel Mangala or Idrissa Gueye.

Due to an injury to McNeil, Dyche selected a midfield three of Mangala, Gueye and Doucoure for the previous three fixtures. The change has led to the midfield being able to compete and not be overpowered against tougher opposition. One goal has been conceded and three points have been earned against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City

It has come at the expense of attacking options. But the team faces constant struggles going forward and ensuring a stronger defensive presence has proved fruitful.

Everton’s Defence Key to Keeping Them Alive

A robust defence is Everton’s best path forward. In the last five seasons, only one team has been relegated after reaching double digits in clean sheets. A pragmatic approach has a proven success rate for survival over the alternatives.

If the Toffees’ attack manages to find its feet, a run of form could follow. Last season they scored 27.5% of their goals in just a five-game span, in that time earning 12 points. This run ultimately saved their season.

Relying on a change of fortune in front of the net is not a sure-fire way to survive. It is their best chance at gaining points over those above them on the table.