After months of continuing uncertainty, Everton blew the opportunity to really give themselves some breathing space at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Defeat at the hands of West Ham United continued the winless run and ever so slightly raised the dissenting voices towards the manager.
Oddly, the performance was one of our better ones in recent weeks and a return to the early season trend of creating chances but having neither the composition nor the confidence to take them.
Post-match, the manager seemed somewhat fed up of the same old story being told – a high xG but a low conversion rate. However, someone must take responsibility if we are to pull away from danger.
The hard luck story that is Everton Football Club has to be reversed. Feeling sorry for themselves will not win football matches.
There is a rightful acceptance that the club is difficult to operate at the moment, but this does not mean every defeat can be lost to that agenda.
Ultimately, Sean Dyche will be the fall guy if results do not improve, but he cannot be held responsible for not putting the ball in the back of the net.
Now is a time for broad shoulders and learning harsh lessons – managers and players inclusive.
Mike Richards can be found at the Unholy Trinity, external