Dewsbury-Hall explains thinking behind Everton moment that left Martin Keown in disbelief
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has explained the rationale behind Everton’s bizarre kick-off routine against Burnley, which left Martin Keown scratching his head.
James Garner and Dewsbury-Hall stood on the ball before the whistle, before the latter flicked it up and booted it long toward the visitors’ box in the game’s first action.
Premier League clubs have increasingly cleared long right from the off to put their opponents under early pressure, but the Toffees took it to a new level on Tuesday night.
Such was the peculiarity of the stunt that Keown claimed he had never seen it done before and simply added: “Wow.”
Which Premier League rival did Everton take inspiration from?
Now, however, Dewsbury-Hall admitted it was an instruction from David Moyes, with Everton’s head coach presumably taking inspiration from a Premier League rival.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Dewsbury-Hall said: “You know what? Was it Bournemouth or Brentford who did it a couple of weeks ago?
“It was quite good, and we’ve actually done it in the last couple of games. You (Joleon Lescott) know as a defender, that’s hard to defend.
“Get yourself on the front foot! It’s probably not the first thing I would have chosen to do as a player but I mean, whatever the gaffer says!”
The routine at Hill Dickinson Stadium was especially similar to kick-offs in rugby, but the Toffees failed to get first contact on the ball after Joe Worrall crashed it away.
Either way, it only further highlighted the top-flight’s newfound reliance on direct balls and set-pieces, aspects Arsenal have used to devastating effect in their title charge.
Fine margins will be crucial in hunt for Europe
Everton certainly need every advantage they can get as they push for a Conference League or Europa League spot, and direct kick-off routines have proven effective in the past.
As recently as their last home outing against Manchester United, Dewsbury-Hall and Garner combined to carry out an identical approach at the start of the second half.
On that occasion, the pressure helped the Toffees to create a chance within a minute of the restart, after Harrison Armstrong drew a save from Senne Lammens.
Brentford are also trailblazers, having adopted the routine against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
It is no surprise that Moyes is innovatively chasing fine margins.
Everton have scored just eight goals from open play at home this season, with their opener against Burnley also coming from a set-piece, and they are too reliant on dead balls.
But as long as the route one blueprint continues to lead to results, no one will be complaining too much.
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