Sean Dyche has pointed out that Arsenal lost their focus during the goalless draw with Everton on Saturday, struggling to stick to their gameplan.
Despite Liverpool’s late 2-2 draw against Fulham, Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap on the Premier League leaders were dashed at the Emirates, where they failed to break down Everton’s resilient defense.
Arsenal found it difficult to carve out clear-cut opportunities, with Dyche crediting his side’s defensive resolve.
He noted that Arsenal, known for dominating possession and chances, resorted to forcing crosses into the box after halftime in an attempt to break through.
Dyche said, “You have to know how to work without the ball. At grounds like this, you can’t expect to dominate possession, so it’s essential to do the other things well.”
He acknowledged Arsenal’s quality but praised his team’s efforts, highlighting a crucial save by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a defining moment in the match.
“Arsenal kept asking questions, probing, but in the end, they started crossing the ball to force something, which shows just how solid we were defensively,” Dyche added.
Reflecting on Everton’s recent improvements, Dyche noted, “We’ve had many steps forward this season, and while we need to score more goals, getting the defensive part right has been key.”
When asked about how his team managed to keep Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard quiet, Dyche credited the players’ work ethic, especially that of Abdoulaye Doucouré, who put in a standout performance.
He also praised the midfield trio and veteran Idrissa Gueye for their defensive discipline.
The manager explained that Everton’s preparation involved analyzing Arsenal’s tactics and ensuring they were alert to every potential threat, including set-pieces.
“It wasn’t just about one thing; they have so many ways to hurt you, but we defended well as a team, and the players deserve all the credit,” Dyche concluded.