Sean Dyche warns Everton players they cannot afford to ‘go under’ again after Newcastle drubbing

Sean Dyche says his Everton players cannot continue to ‘go under’ as they did during a second-half collapse against Newcastle with their Premier League status in serious jeopardy.

The Toffees are two points out of safety in 19th after a 4–1 defeat that saw them trail by one at half-time, but the visitors scored three times in nine minutes late in the second half.

Dyche said: “In the first half we were as strong as we have been. We started the second half strongly, but went down too easily after the second goal. We can’t react like that, especially against good sides.

“The second goal is very poor defensively and then it’s about how quickly the game gets away. It happened against Fulham (1-3) and here it happened again. It is a correction that must be made. They are working hard to make sure it runs smoothly.’

Everton have not scored more than one goal at Goodison Park since October and Dyche was irritable when called out about the team’s lack of threat.

The Toffees conceded three late goals in a heavy 4-1 defeat at Goodison Park on Thursday

Dyche believes his players ‘went down’ after conceding the Magpies’ second goal of the game

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I think this has been going on for two years,” he said. “I didn’t say they would all score 30 goals (when I arrived), I just think they are better players than people thought they were.

“It was well documented when I got here that they weren’t scoring goals and were conceding too much. We’ve corrected it somewhat, but of course it needs to correct a lot more. Your best form of defense is often the offense. But we don’t find those big moments. You could see that freedom from Newcastle.’

Everton traveled to Leicester on Monday, third from bottom, and Dyche said: “It’s all big games, they have been since I’ve been here. But we have to park this one very quickly.’

Newcastle, meanwhile, are eight points clear of fifth after a seventh win in eight games. Eddie Howe rested Alexander Isak after scoring twice in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Tottenham. Callum Wilson entered and responded by scoring a double himself.

Howe said, “It’s a dream scenario. Both players know they can’t afford a bad game. It’s healthy competition, they breathe each other down the neck. But they understand how good each other’s strengths are and there is respect.’

Isak came off the bench to give Jacob Murphy a great assist after dribbling past a series of blue jerseys.

Everton are now two points from safety in 19th place with five games to play

Howe added, “I couldn’t really see what was happening. I’ve seen it back on television and the amount of twists and turns and transfers he did, it’s an incredible feat of skill. He has incredible ball manipulation.’

Speaking of Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations, Howe said: ‘I think it’s just a matter of moving on to the next game. The end table will tell us where we stand and what we have next season, but for now we’re just focusing on the next game.

“It’s a waste of time to get out your calculator, but if you (reporters) want to do that, that’s fine.”