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Adrian Clarke looks at the impact of the new managers in the relegation race, which is the closest at this stage of the season, with just four points separating the bottom nine clubs.

Sean Dyche (EVE)

Dyche has wasted no time transforming Everton into a team in his own mold.

The former Burnley manager made an immediate impact when he inspired a 1-0 home win over leaders Arsenal on his debut, and while results have fluctuated ever since, his style of play is now sharp and consistent.

Prior to his arrival, Everton had experimented with seven different formations throughout the campaign and their tactical approach varied at times.

Dyche came in and decided that 4-5-1 was his preferred form and his team has lined up that way in all eight games he has been in charge so far.

Clear vision

His vision for the team includes three powerful and athletic central midfielders in Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure, while Alex Iwobi and Dwight McNeil provide the pace and technical quality on the wings.

Those five players have started every game for Dyche so far, with the well-remembered McNeil and Doucoure especially prominent.

Between them they share six direct goal contributions of the seven that Everton have scored in these eight games.

Everton under Lampard & Dyche

Dyche has obtained a higher level of work rate from his players, who have covered an average of 2.4 km more per game than the previous manager.

efficient football

Even without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, there has been a significant increase in the number of long passes Everton make.

If Calvert-Lewin had been available for more games, his 20 percent share would probably be higher.

As the statistics above show, Everton are, in essence, playing a more aggressive and less complicated efficient style of football.

They are winning more duels, playing fewer unnecessary passes and shooting more crosses into the box from the wings.

Due to this more direct approach and the relative success of it, they have touched the ball inside the opposing box more often.

fixed part focus

Dyche has made two separate personnel changes since taking charge of Goodison Park.

Michael Keane replaced Conor Coady at center back, with Ben Godfrey replacing Vitalii Mykolenko at left-back.

Those two players add valuable height on set pieces inside both boxes and Dyche likely had this in mind when he lost Calvert-Lewin to injury.

Three of the seven goals scored since Dyche took over have come from set pieces.

Doucoure’s goal against Chelsea

A pair of McNeil corners towards the far post led to goals against Arsenal and Chelsea, while a long diagonal free-kick from midfield also saw Doucoure score from a fall at Nottingham Forest.

All three shots included headers from James Tarkwoski, who has been a regular target for former Burnley teammate McNeil.

If Everton can maintain their 1.37 points per game rate under Dyche, they will comfortably secure their top-flight status.

Next: How Palace will change Hodgson’s return

Also in this series

Part 1: How Gracia has given Leeds breadth and greater control
Part 2: Positive approach pays off for Lopetegui