DOMINIC KING: Two steps forward and then a giant one back for infuriating Everton… it’s driving Sean Dyche mad

• Everton failed to build on wins in league and cup with 2-1 home loss to Luton
• Sean Dyche says setbacks like the Luton defeat are ‘driving him mad’
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

Sean Dyche was talking at speed but it was the look on his face that told you everything, a look common to every parent. You know it, the combination of disbelief, disappointment and bafflement that screams, ‘What have you done that for!’ when presented with circumstances that were wholly avoidable.

Here, then, was Dyche having to explain away another fine Everton mess. ‘We are trying to create a mentality where we are on it all the time,’ he harrumphed as he picked through the debris of the 2-1 defeat to Luton.

‘We had two steps forward (beating Brentford and Aston Villa) and now this is one back — again. It’s driving me mad.’

With due respect to his frustrations, how does he think Everton supporters are feeling? Dyche is 10 months into his tenure and is clearly wearied by his side’s inconsistency, but whatever irks him is nothing compared to what those in the stands — who included prospective owners Josh Wander and Steve Pasko from 777 — are experiencing.

There was booing at the final whistle but much of it was aimed at fastidious referee Anthony Taylor. It is as if the locals have been numbed by the impoverished results and performances, a fourth straight loss meaning this is Everton’s worst home start since 1958.

Sean Dyche said Everton’s inconsistency is ‘driving him mad’ following their 2-1 defeat to Luton Town on Saturday

Everton’s prospective new owners 777 Partners were in attendance at Goodison Park

A fourth straight home loss condemned the Toffees to their worst start at Goodison since 1958

Dyche argued Everton applied plenty of pressure to Luton’s goal and, rightly, pointed to a string of squandered chances in the opening 15 minutes. But he would do well to remember that he is talking to an audience who know football inside out and won’t be taken in by fluff.

When Everton chased the game, in vain, late on it was dispiriting to see Dyche pointing to the corners of the pitch and demanding the ball be launched forward swiftly. It was basic, not difficult for Luton to deal with, and one little episode in stoppage time summed everything up.

James Tarkowski, inside his own half, looked up and crashed a ball towards the massed ranks, hoping strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin, scorer of Everton’s goal, and Beto would profit. It missed everyone and skidded out of play, 70 yards away, triggering almighty groans. ‘It will take time to learn how each other works and operates,’ Calvert-Lewin said. ‘It’s always difficult when you are chasing a game and the ball is just getting pumped forward.

Dyche argued that Everton applied plenty of pressure to the Luton goal but they ultimately chased the game in vain

Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled a goal back for Everton but they were unable to build on victories against Brentford and Aston Villa

‘It’s a different phase to if we were to start together. We are both big, strong lads and expect to cause problems.

‘We were full of confidence going into the game, but it took us too long to get into the game and we got punished, switching off at set-pieces and making the game extremely difficult for ourselves. It is still early in the season and it’s not panic stations.’

Perhaps not, but Calvert-Lewin will have to understand if that message isn’t taken on board by the fans, not least because Everton have been beaten by Wolves and Luton, who could well be direct rivals in the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

‘This win was coming,’ said Luton’s Alfie Doughty, whose superb deliveries led to goals for Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris. ‘This was another reason why we got promoted. The grit and determination were amazing. We showed who we are and why we are in this league.’

MATCH FACTS

EVERTON (4-4-1-1) Pickford 6: Young 5 (Patterson 78mins), Tarkowski 5, Branthwaite 5, Mykolenko 5: Garner 6, Onana 5, Gana Gueye 5 (Harrison 46mins 6), McNeil 6 (Danjuma 84mins): Doucoure 5 (Beto 60mins 5): Calvert Lewin 6 Subs not used: Virginia (GK), Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Chermiti, Dobbin

Manager – Sean Dyche 5

LUTON TOWN (3-4-2-1) Kaminski 7: Burke 6 (Andersen 46mins 7), Lockyer 8 (Mengi 56mins 7), Bell 7: Kabore 7, Mpanzu 7, Nakamba 7, Doughty 7.5: Brown 7, Ogbene 7: Morris 7 (Adebayo 78mins) Subs not used: Krul (GK), Berry, Woodrow, Chong, Giles, Johnson

Goals – Lockyer (24), Morris (32)

Booked – Kabore

Manager – Rob Edwards 7

Referee – Anthony Taylor 6

Attendance – 39,289

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