Sean Dyche replies to why Everton’s Ben Godfrey continued at right-back over Seamus Coleman.
Sean Dyche has explained why he stuck with Ben Godfrey at right-back in Everton’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United. The Toffees face stiff competition for the spot, with captain Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson both experts in the position, and Ashley Young having played in it this season.
Godfrey made his sixth consecutive start on the right side of defence after spending the first half of the season on the periphery. The former Norwich City player gave away the second penalty in Everton’s defeat to United at Old Trafford when he hacked down Alejandro Garnacho, who had won the home side’s first penalty when fouled by James Tarkowski.
When asked what Godfrey, a centre-back by trade, is doing to keep his spot ahead of Coleman and Patterson, Everton manager Dyche said at his post-match press conference: “It’s close. It’s all around the pitch. It’s not about one player or the other; it’s competitive all over the pitch. “I believe some players have honed their skills over the course of the season. Some players have suffered injuries, while others have fluctuated in form. “There are various reasons for playing players.”
Everton’s loss extends their Premier League losing record to 11 games. They are now four points higher than the relegation zone.