22-year-old Everton player admits he should be scoring more from set pieces, he’s been working on it in training
Everton, under Sean Dyche, have seen a massive shift in focus towards the potential benefit that set piece mastery can bring.
After all, Frank Lampard’s tenure was one scattered with unpredictability and a lack of strategy, resulting in numerous disjointed performances from front to back.
At the very least, even if it sometimes makes for turgid viewing, there is a clear plan now in place for the Toffees.
Seeking to maximise marginal gains, it is clear that success is being earned, with Amadou Onana’s header from a corner last night marking their 13th set-piece strike of the Premier League season.
Following the match, the 22-year-old outlined why he needs to be doing more regardless of his latest goal.
What Amadou Onana said about his performance
As a dominant midfield enforcer, his presence on the bench last night marked a shock to many fans who had been told that the Belgium international was back from injury.
Onana has swiftly grown into one of Everton’s finest footballers this season after showcasing glimpses of his immense quality throughout an immeasurably challenging debut campaign.
Alongside James Garner, the Toffees have found a midfield foundation with which a hard-working foundation is forged, allowing for a rigid solidity as well as quick breakaways too.
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So, to see it opted against was questionable, and made to look even more so as they struggled for control throughout the match.
Fortunately, Onana did come on to change the game with his headed effort late on and has since been talking about how he expects more from himself in those situations.
He told Everton’s official site: ‘In the most humble possible way I think I should be scoring more from set pieces, this is something I have been working on, so it’s nice when you see your work pay.’
Amadou Onana must always start for Everton when fit
Last night should be a wake-up call for Dyche, who simply cannot afford to start matches the way in which his side did last night.
They were sluggish and gutless, with Crystal Palace instantly offering far more guile and effort despite having no permanent manager in the dugout.
It was a game that Everton really should have won to reinforce their survival efforts, but instead the fanbase has been sent into meltdown as they still await their appeal outcome.
Whilst any kind of reduction in their deduction would be appreciated, it is not a source that the club can rely on to help push them to safety.
They desperately need to start winning on the pitch, and by starting Onana they are given the best possible chance to do so. Both he and Jack Harrison were woefully missed in the first 45 minutes last night.
