Everton boss Sean Dyche has issued a warning to Liverpool, stating that his team is back on form when it comes to set-pieces. He confidently declared that he doesn't require a specialist coach like Arsenal's Nicolas Jover to master corners and free-kicks.
The Toffees are set to host the Reds this Saturday in what will be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. This follows their impressive performance against Wolves on Wednesday night, where they scored three of their four goals from set-pieces.
Dyche commented: "Not just with delivery but the body language and intent to go and score is different when teams are on it. We looked really back there [against Wolves]. Freedom is the wrong word but intent is better – attack the ball and only see the ball. I told the players that."
He continued: "Just the intent. Jack Harrison smashed one over the bar but he was in the right place. Spot on. I commended him for that and said 'fantastic, another day it flies in'. Be in the right place and go with the intent to score."
Arsenal's set-piece coach, Jover, has been receiving accolades after the Gunners scored two goals from corners to secure a win against Manchester United on Wednesday.
However, Dyche responded: "The way I look at it, my staff have got goodness knows how many games playing. So if we cannot design a set-piece with a group of analysts – who can see everything that happens on an set-piece of the opposition or us – then I've got the wrong staff.", reports the Mirror.
Everton had success with set-pieces against Wolves
Everton had success with set-pieces against Wolves (Image: PA)
"So therefore, with that depth of knowledge, I'd use them. I am happy to pass it over to them. "That's not to say there is not a reason for set-piece coaches – that's up to managers and staff and football directors.
"Not just with delivery but the body language and intent to go and score is different when teams are on it. We looked really back there [against Wolves]. Freedom is the wrong word but intent is better – attack the ball and only see the ball. I told the players that."