One clear issue Everton fixed to turn their form around after four-game run

The narrative of ‘doom and gloom’ has dissipated from Everton after the weekend’s victory over Ipswich Town made it four games unbeaten.

Pressure had risen after their first four games of the season, as they lost all four of their opening league games. Sean Dyche has guided his side through the difficult period and there is positivity despite still carrying a few injuries as the statistics show a team who have completely transformed their situation.

Star player Jarrad Branthwaite has managed just one game this season and Everton triumphed in it. When he returns - which should be soon - their chances of getting results out of games will go up. Another key player from last season who has also struggled with injuries is James Garner. Currently out of action, Dyche hopes he can return soon to bolster the side. The same goes for Tim Iroegbunam who is out of action for a few weeks.

What the stats say

Once key players return, they can look to build on this run - with their four recent games being a far cry from their opening four - let’s delve into what the figures say. They ranked 20th in the league for goals conceded (13) clean sheets (0) and shots on target faced (27) across the games against Brighton, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. In addition, they were 19th for expected goals against (8.35) and 12th for shots faced (57) - all of which screams relegation candidates.

Since then, it has been all change. Instead of ranking 20th for goals conceded, clean sheets and shots on target faced, they now rank 1st in the league in what has been a transformative shift. Expected goals against has dropped to 6th (4.91) which has nearly been halved.

The only figure that has remained similar is shots on targets faced - that has seen them rank in 11th with 56 with just one less. Across that time, they’ve faced Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Ipswich Town which can be considered an easier run overall. Yet, we expect the defensive to improve once Branthwaite returns.

What has changed?

With their run featuring three teams down near the bottom of the league, it is safe to say their run was an easier set of games. That is set to continue as they don’t face a top side until December 7, when they welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park for one last time. Plus, you can’t discount the good fortune that has returned after they surrendered two separate 2-0 leads in the opening four weeks. We’ve seen Anthony Gordon fluff his lines from the penalty spot and even Michael Keane rifle one into the top corner with his weaker foot - all of which has been evidence of their luck turning.

However, in terms of actual changes, Dwight McNeil has adopted a more central role helping Everton to be more creative and add another goal threat. It has allowed Iliman Ndiaye to play off the left, which clearly suits him. And lastly, their midfield two has seen Idrissa Gueye partner Abdoulaye Doucoure in recent games, with Orel Mangala coming in and out of the team where it was youngster Iroegbunam who began the season.