Everton fans have every right to feel bitterly aggrieved after witnessing their team’s astonishing collapse yesterday.
In a match they appeared to have under control, leading 2-0 and threatening to add more, the Toffees somehow contrived to surrender their advantage in the dying minutes, leaving Goodison Park in a state of disbelief and anger.
For much of the match, Everton were cruising. James Tarkowski’s header from a corner rattled the post, and Seamus Coleman, in a marauding run, came close to adding a third.
These near-misses should have been mere footnotes in a comfortable victory, yet they became emblematic of a day when missed opportunities and a lack of composure proved costly.
The turning point arrived as the clock struck 87 minutes. Conceding just one goal appeared to sap the confidence from Sean Dyche’s men, and what followed was a collapse that defied belief.
Within seven minutes, Everton’s two-goal lead had evaporated, and Bournemouth, who had offered little for most of the match, emerged as 3-2 winners.
There are many possible reasons for this collapse. Was it the pressure from the fans, a lack of a clear plan, poor fitness levels, or simply a failure of nerve? Whatever the cause, someone must shoulder the blame, and naturally, Sean Dyche finds himself in the firing line.
Alan Myers on Sean Dyche:
The criticism of Dyche is not without merit. His failure to address a midfield that was visibly exhausted by the closing stages was a significant factor in Everton’s downfall.
This oversight left a defence already lacking in pace vulnerable to the energy and speed injected by Bournemouth’s substitutes, which ultimately proved decisive.
One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, addressing respected journalist Alan Myers.
He questioned the club’s ownership and whether they were even capable of making a decision about Dyche’s future. Myers responded, “They will be concerned, Bill, I’m sure of that.”
This comes on the back of reports from Graeme Bailey, who had already told Everton.News that Dyche was on thin ice at Goodison Park.
Everton’s collapse vs Bournemouth not just Sean Dyche’s fault:
While Dyche’s decisions certainly played a role in Everton’s capitulation, it would be unfair to place all the blame at his feet. There were a million things Dyche could have done differently to secure the win, but even in the absence of perfect management, these are professional footballers.
With only a few minutes left on the clock, one might expect them to have the professionalism and fitness to see out the game.
Instead, Everton panicked, a recurring theme in recent years. Even under Roberto Martinez, for all the attractive football played, there was a consistent fragility when conceding late. Nearly a decade on, despite a new set of players, that same fearful mindset lingers.
This ingrained mentality at the club is something Dyche cannot completely control. While he may be under pressure, the deeper issue at Everton is a collective cowardice that has persisted through multiple managers and generations of players. Until this is addressed, the Toffees will continue to struggle, regardless of who is in the dugout.