Everton fans were accustomed to seeing this kind of set-piece domination during Sean Dyche’s tenure. The inswinging corner to a towering figure at the back post. The exploitation of a vulnerable goalkeeper under the high ball.
At times, there was almost a brutality about the execution of it all.
Cast your mind back to December 2023’s 2-0 win at Burnley or the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur the following year, when Guglielmo Vicario struggled fielding balls under his own crossbar. On both occasions, Everton’s success came from comprehensively winning the aerial battle and, to put it bluntly, bullying their opposition.
For all their other failings, these were the types of moments where Dyche’s Everton thrived.
Everton, though, have changed a great deal in the nine months since Dyche was replaced as manager by David Moyes. While there is still some crossover in terms of personnel and principles, Moyes has attempted to take the squad in a different direction. Dyche stalwarts like Dwight McNeil are no longer regular fixtures, and have been replaced by more diminutive ball players. Instead of looking to break down the door in open play, Everton now largely try to pick the lock, even if Moyes still places a strong emphasis on set pieces.
Both styles have their merits, of course. But direct play — long balls and throws, plus a renewed focus on set pieces — is now du jour once again in the Premier League.
We know Everton are still evolving under Moyes after a summer overhaul, but it was somewhat surprising to see the extent of their fragility from set pieces in Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Spurs. With Micky Van de Ven scoring twice from corners, a previous strength was ruthlessly exploited.
Although there were numerous reasons for Sunday’s defeat, including a continuation of the profligacy that has plagued Moyes’ team, this was a game decided by set pieces.
On the face of it, few would have seen this coming. Tottenham are also a side cast in a new image under Thomas Frank, a keen proponent of the dead ball, but not typically renowned for their prowess in this area. Everton, meanwhile, came into the game as the only Premier League team not to have conceded from a set play this season.
“We have been undone by set pieces,” Moyes said. “I’m not happy about it, but there were some positives.
“We’ve been very good with set pieces in the main. But Thomas’ teams have always been good, too. We had more corners but they got their head on some and we didn’t. Their goalkeeper punched some and we didn’t.
“It wasn’t for the lack of preparation. It’s not something (conceding) that we are known for. I am disappointed. There are a couple of things we could have done better.”
Here’s Tottenham’s first goal. Mohammed Kudus, a left-footer, is set to take an inswinging corner from the right, with Van de Ven circled next to Pickford in the middle.
As the ball is about to be delivered, Van de Ven has his arm around Pickford…
It knocks the Everton keeper off balance, and he calls for a free kick. The VAR checked both Spurs goals for fouls, as is standard policy, while Moyes later refused to criticise the officials…
The other interesting thing happens closer to the penalty spot.
Everton are largely defending zonally, with the number of Spurs players close to goal reducing the need for ‘blockers’.
That gives Rodrigo Bentancur (circled) an opportunity…
Bentancur runs to the back post, where Everton full-back Vitalii Mykolenko is marking Randal Kolo-Muani. Spurs have a numerical advantage…
Bentancur heads across goal and Van de Ven, free between Jack Grealish and Jake O’Brien, nods in. O’Brien ends up on the goal line, rather than competing for the ball.
Spurs manager Frank praised the work of his analysts as well as the “structure, big physicality and desire” of his side. They certainly are a tall, imposing team now, with Van de Ven, Joao Palhinha and Kevin Danso all useful targets.
Everton appeared to alter their setup for Spurs’ second goal, with O’Brien (highlighted in blue) instead stationed at the back post.
Perhaps this was a response to Bentacur’s role in the opener, but again, Everton are deceived by Van de Ven’s movement.
The below shows his position as Pedro Porro gets set to deliver…
He is already on the move before the kick is taken, running round the back of O’Brien…
Everton are marking in zones, with their main ball winners (James Tarkowski and Michael Keane) situated centrally in the six-yard box.
Pickford will be expected to deal with anything coming into his zone…
Van de Ven gives Pickford another shove, knocking him off balance for the second time…
He climbs above Pickford, his superior height making the difference, and nods in close range. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher later suggested that the Everton goalkeeper’s size makes him vulnerable to the Premier League staple of corners under the bar.
Everton will not face Spurs’ physicality every week. Van de Ven was a towering force and now has five goals this season, so Moyes will hope these issues are the exception rather than the rule.
The game was a reminder, though, of how quickly things can change in the Premier League. Every side is striving for an advantage and has analysts poring over footage to find even slight weaknesses.
Everton no longer have a set-piece coach of their own. Charlie Adam, who handled that area last season, departed over the summer with his duties so far absorbed by the rest of Moyes’ coaching staff.
Everton may look to add a specialist to compensate. Before it was bought by Everton owner The Friedkin Group, head of strategy Chris Howarth’s company Insight Sport provided set-piece data to top-flight clubs, including Nottingham Forest.
He, Moyes and the rest of Everton’s backroom staff will be keen to avoid a repeat of Sunday’s problems.