**[Everton](https://ReadEverton.com) head to Bournemouth on Saturday looking to build on their winning start, with one weakness in their opponents offering David Moyes an obvious area to target.**
Bournemouth had problems defending set pieces last season, and there were familiar signs in their opening Premier League defeat at Man City.
Marc Guéhi twice found the space to meet deliveries with free headers. He missed the first but made no mistake with the second, scoring City’s equaliser.
Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington later described that goal as the “catalyst” for their late collapse.
Everton will have taken note.
Bournemouth’s difficulties from dead-ball situations are nothing new.
They were among the Premier League’s poorest teams at defending set pieces last season and appointed specialist coach Nicolas Gagnon during the summer as they looked to improve.
The opening weekend suggested there is still work to be done.
Everton certainly have the height to ask questions.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien offer an aerial threat from defence if selected, while Thierno Barry provides another sizeable target further forward.
Moyes also has players capable of putting the ball into dangerous areas.
Bournemouth will know all of this, of course. Having been punished at the Etihad, defending corners and free-kicks is unlikely to have escaped attention on the training ground this week.
But that does not mean Everton should be reluctant to test them.
Moyes has always placed importance on set pieces, and Saturday’s game looks like one where they could have a significant part to play.
There is a threat at the other end as well. Bournemouth caused problems from set pieces themselves last season, so Everton will need to be just as alert when they are defending.
For the Blues, though, there is a fairly simple lesson from Bournemouth’s opening game.
Win corners, deliver them well and make the home side defend.
City showed what can happen if they don’t.
For updates on the Toffees throughout the season, take a look at our [LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments](https://dave.sport/live/premier-league-2026-2027-season-updates/) page.