Dyche hits out at fixture list as Toffees again lack fizz

SEAN DYCHE cited burnout as a key factor for Everton’s third straight defeat.

The Toffees’ 10-point deduction didn’t look to be much of a problem when they claimed four wins in a row.

But after another setback that leaves them heading into 2024 just one spot and one point off the relegation zone, Dyche said: “We have asked a lot of the players. The fixture list is unkind.

“We have just come off the back of a run of lots of games with injuries.

“And we lacked that bit of fizz and energy to take the game on. We fell short with the physicality.

“They played really well and exposed moments when we looked jaded.

“We’ve done it to others ourselves and they did it to us here. The next league game is a couple of weeks away which is bizarre.

“We hold value in the FA Cup but we have been stretched in the Christmas period so we need to make sure we have players available [for the league.”

Wolves boss Gary O’neil continues to make his mark at Molineux. Wolves lie in 11th position.

Skipper Max Kilman said: “We set out our goal to win the game and we’ve done that. Now we need to rest up, enjoy the new year and go again.

“I’m happy to score but the main thing is the win and the clean sheet. We have a long way to go and we can still improve so we just need to keep going.”

Of his missing player Mario Lemima, back home in Gabon after the death of his father, O’neil said: “I know we’re enjoying this moment and it’s hard when you mention him because I know he’s suffering, but hopefully he gets a lift.

“I spoke to him and he understands that he has as long as he needs to get back to the moment.”