AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has warned his players to expect to defend a lot of crosses at Everton as Sean Dyche’s squad are ‘one of the best’ in those areas.
The Cherries travel to Goodison Park this weekend as both sides look to edge away from the relegation zone. Everton sit 16th in the table through seven games with just four points after one win and a draw. Bournemouth are still seeking their first win after three draws in seven.
Not since April has the Dean Court outfit taken a Premier League win, with the Cherries now winless in 10 games. Everton also dealt the south coast side a 1-0 defeat on the final day last season to ensure safety. Abdoulaye Doucoure secured Dyche’s side a 1-0 win at Goodison.
Iraola warns Bournemouth about Everton’s crossing threat
Bournemouth sacked Gary O’Neil shortly after losing at Everton to hire Iraola, who will hope to fare better at Goodison. Only Sheffield United (19) and Burnley (16) conceded more goals than the Cherries (15) through the first seven matches. No team has scored fewer (5), either.
Iraola expects crosses to be a key area that Everton will try to exploit to further the Cherries’ poor record. From open play and set-pieces, the Toffees have impressed the Spanish coach so far this season. He also admires how Dyche’s side have played, despite their poor results.
“I feel that they have been the better side in a lot of games they have played, it is true,” said Iraola, via quotes by the Daily Echo. “Especially the games they’ve played at home.
“The other day they were better. The Wolves game they were better. They won a very good match against Brentford away. They are very good in certain aspects of the game.
“We have to be ready to defend a lot of crosses. They have very good wingers. I don’t know the two that will start but they have very good wingers.
“They have a lot of players arriving to their box and they are having chances. So, we have to be ready to defend a lot of crosses, to defend set-plays, because they are one of the best at doing these things.”
Iraola is right, the Toffees have been solid from set-pieces
Everton recorded the fifth-highest number of accurate crosses during the first seven games in the Premier League this season. Ahead of hosting Bournemouth, Dyche’s side have found teammates with 35 of 152 attempts. Luton Town top the chart with 48/170, per WhoScored.
Set-pieces have also proven to be a good chance for Everton with the Toffees completing 14 of their 37 corners and 40 of their 68 free-kicks. Of their 14 accurate corners, nine have also led to a key chance being made. They also share a division-high four goals from set-pieces.
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