Everton fans were left furious after Saturday’s result, naturally, as they were left well-beaten by Brighton and Hove Albion.
Since then, it has been a bit of a firestorm for Sean Dyche to contend with, seeking to justify his decisions with arguably one of the toughest tasks the Premier League has to offer next up on the list.
Already many supporters have made their feelings known regarding various tactical and personnel decisions, yet over the years the 53-year-old has never been one to succumb to pressure.
Fortunately, one of his more controversial decisions from the weekend just gone has just been justified after Jesper Lindstrom started and played the full 90 for Everton’s U21s last night.
Everton fans left baffled by Jesper Lindstrom performance
Despite one Danish Football Expert claiming Lindstrom is not a winger, but rather an attacking midfielder who thrives best through the middle, it seems that this season will see him largely preferred in the former.
Should this persist and the 24-year-old fail to adapt, it could be a long old season for the former Napoli man, especially after last night.
He was anonymous throughout, and left so many fans feeling baffled as to why their new acquisition was still so far off the pace.
One notable fan, Benj Winstanley, would justify Dyche’s decision from Saturday: ‘Can see why Beto and Lindstrom didn’t get many minutes at the weekend. Harrison Armstrong however looks good.
Another supporter offered his post-match review: ‘Don’t think we will see Lindstrom in the 1st team anytime soon on tonight’s showing.’
That’s why Sean Dyche didn’t start Jesper Lindstrom vs Brighton
Following their side’s heady 3-0 loss on the opening day, fans naturally scrambled for something to blame despite it being just the first game of the season.
Naturally, as always seems to be the case, they landed on Dyche, with the former Burnley boss bearing the brunt of abuse for many different supposed errors he made.
However, few were as negligent in the eyes of most fans as the decision to not start all of his new signings, with Tim Iroegbunam the only one from this summer recruitment drive to be given the nod.
That left Jake O’Brien on the bench, with Michael Keane starting in his place, as well as Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom too.
After last night’s performance, we have swiftly come to understand why the latter found himself in that spot.
Very clear so far away from full match fitness, he looked sluggish and anonymous throughout large periods despite notching the assist for Beto’s 96th minute finish.
He managed just 41 touches despite playing 90 minutes against League Two opposition, and inexplicably lost all of the seven duels he competed in whilst also losing possession 17 times.
A game to forget for the Danish trickster, who will hope to be handed more opportunities to impress in a more favoured role, rather than shoved out wide.
