Everton’s Premier League season is finally over, likely much to the delight of the fanbase.
They have been put through the emotional wringer once again throughout a tumultuous campaign, with even more obstacles having been put in their way than ever before.
But, never before have they had Sean Dyche in charge for the full season, and his experience in navigating such a situation proved invaluable.
Even his reaction to events in yesterday’s final day of the campaign, in which he challenged the Premier League‘s injustice, further proves why he is the perfect man to guide the Toffees through these troubled waters.
Sean Dyche fumes at VAR
Speaking to the media after their 2-1 loss at the Emirates, Dyche fumed at VAR once again for their work in allowing Arsenal’s late winner.
Kai Havertz may have been the man who poked home, but it was Gabriel Jesus who was involved in the flashpoint, stealing in past James Tarkowski with what looked like the use of his arm.
Michael Oliver was sent to the monitor, but inexplicably, he stuck with his own contentious decision.
This sparked an outcry from Dyche, who actually said he felt resigned to such an outcome.
He noted: I thought we’ve had a real go. Difficult for us because our work’s done in the season. Quite happy with the performance actually, it’s not easy to come down here.
‘Referees decision changes the game. I couldn’t believe it myself, but anyway. It felt like one of them games, they were getting a lot so they were probably going to get that and they did.
‘Handball. Simple as that. We’re all wondering what’s going on with the handball. No one knows, and today’s another one. It’s almost like tossing a coin. For me it’s a handball that leads to a goal, it should be stopped.’
Everton need a strong manager who will fight for them
For many years, and realistically ever since Farhad Moshiri came into power, Everton have hired managers who do not really fit with the ethos of the club.
Ronald Koeman was quite standoffish, and Marco Silva was not quite the fighter that David Moyes or Roberto Martinez were.
Sam Allardyce was a little too defensive for the Goodison Park crowd, and whilst Carlo Ancelotti was far from the most passionate manager, his legendary status allowed him to do whatever he pleased.
Frank Lampard again understood the club, but lacked the steel needed to guide them to stability.
Dyche is the first manager who seems to understand what Everton need, and seemingly has a plan to get them there.
He is steely and determined when he needs to be, but can be friendly and affable when the pressure is off. At last, the club seems to have a figurehead that embodies the club’s hard-working values, and that aforementioned tirade only reaffirms his status as a great leader, perfect for the club at the moment.