Dyche calls for Everton ‘cutting edge’ against Palace

Everton manager Sean Dyche called for “killer instinct” from his side as they prepare to face fellow winless side Crystal Palace.

After four successive Premier League defeats Everton earned their first point of the campaign with a draw at Leicester last weekend.

Palace are also yet to win in the league this season – though three draws out of five suggests they could prove tough to crack at Goodison Park.

“The importance of every game is quite obvious but there are some which you look at and think ‘That would be considerably favourable to get a win from’,” Dyche said.

“We are at that stage, after a tough start, of finding whatever way it is – whoever it is against – of winning and keep calm about the situation and deliver performances.

“I think we are still searching for that. I don’t think it is helpful when you haven’t got that edge of a killer instinct in both boxes.

“We’ve done that many times before here, coming through tough periods, and we are still coming out of a tough period but I think there are better signs.”

🔘 Jarrad Branthwaite
🔘 Nathan Patterson
🔘 Idrissa Gana Gueye
🔘 Vitalii Mykolenko

The boss provides the latest fitness and availability update ahead of #EVECRY. pic.twitter.com/uDkv99kDK9

— Everton (@Everton) September 26, 2024

Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is in contention for his first start of the campaign after summer groin surgery, while Vitalii Mykolenko is back after a knock and midfielder Idrissa Gueye has returned from compassionate leave after the death of his father.

“That attack has been better, certainly in the last two or three games,” said Dyche.

“We’re scoring and looking a real threat and then it’s also about finding that balance to tighten up at the other end of the pitch, which last season, we did so well with 13 clean sheets.

“I think there are better signs, but those better signs have got to bring wins. I think that’s the biggest change, getting that winning edge back.”