Premier League-leading stat reveals how one strategy can prevent Everton from relegation

Everton‘s ongoing struggles in front of goal this season have left them searching for solutions, but one tactic has consistently proven effective.

The team ranks joint third-worst in the league in terms of attack, having scored only 26 goals,

a tally matched by Crystal Palace.

Despite the efforts of key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and £25m summer signing Beto,

who have managed just four league goals between them, Everton’s offensive woes persist.

Their recent match against Tottenham showcased a familiar pattern, with Everton scoring

twice from set pieces at Goodison Park.

This approach, characterized by intensity, power, and organization, has long been associated

with manager Sean Dyche, whose Burnley side also excelled in this area.

Goals from Jack Harrison and Jarrad Branthwaite against Spurs underscored the effectiveness of this strategy.

Everton experienced Dyche’s set-piece prowess firsthand in his debut game in charge, with James Tarkowski’s crucial header securing a hard-fought victory over Arsenal on February 4, 2023, a result pivotal in their battle against relegation.

Remarkably, Everton have scored 13 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season, second only to Arsenal’s 14. This means that 50% of Everton’s goals have originated from free kicks

and corners, underscoring their reliance on this aspect of play.

In contrast, they have managed just 13 goals from open play, a statistic surpassed only by Sheffield United’s 11, highlighting their difficulties in open-play situations.

According to the Athletic, Everton boasts the highest expected goals figure from

dead balls in the division, emphasizing the potency of their set-piece threat.

With towering players like Calvert-Lewin, Branthwaite, Amadou Onana, James Tarkowski, and Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton possesses a formidable aerial presence, making them the tallest

team in the league with an average height of 185cm (6ft 1in).

This height advantage explains their emphasis on set pieces as a key avenue towards goal.

While improving open-play performance remains a priority for Everton’s survival, their

continued reliance on set pieces is justified by its effectiveness, providing a valuable source of goals amidst the

struggles of their forwards.

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