Prowling the sideline and upsetting the big boys, it’s as if Sean Dyche never went away.
There was even a trademark headed goal from one of his former Burnley players to give Everton’s new manager a winning debut and blow the English Premier League title race wide open on Saturday.
Table-topping Arsenal paid the price as Dyche immediately made his presence felt and defender James Tarkowski sealed a shock 1-0 win.
There was no such joy for neighbor Liverpool as it slumped again to a 3-0 loss at Wolverhampton, and Jurgen Klopp’s troubles deepened.
EVERTON ERUPTS
Victory for Everton was its first in any competition since October and ended a 10-game winless streak.
That run led to the sacking of manager Frank Lampard last month and the appointment of Dyche in a desperate bid to avoid relegation.
After 69 years in the top-flight, there is a lot riding on Everton’s latest managerial hire, which already looks like shrewd business.
Dyche led unfashionable Burnley into the league in 2016 and repeatedly upset the odds in his near 10 years at the Lancashire club. In that sense, it was business as usual against an Arsenal team flying highest in the league and looking to open an eight-point gap on second-placed Manchester City.
Dyche was back in his element as he barked orders to his players and Goodison Park celebrated a win that could have significance at both ends of the table.
“It’s a start point. That one (win) doesn’t guarantee the next one,” Dyche said. “The way they have taken ownership and pride in what we have tried to do this week, I value that.”
Arsenal lost for only the second time in the league and will see its lead cut to two points if City beats Tottenham on Sunday. But the London club will have a game in hand.
The result also gave hope to Manchester United and Newcastle that they could yet challenge for the title.
United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford and was eight points behind the leader having played a game more.
Newcastle, however, failed to take full advantage of Arsenal’s loss when it was held by West Ham to 1-1.
MISERY FOR LIVERPOOL
Liverpool’s season is unravelling after a seventh league loss makes a bid for Champions League qualification look increasingly unlikely.
Wolverhampton inflicted the latest blow to a team that was chasing an unprecedented quadruple of trophies last term.
A season later, and after one win from its last seven games in all competitions, Liverpool is searching for answers.
“We better change it. That’s true, 100%,” Klopp said. “I have no words for it really, I’m sorry.”
Source: AP
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