Alexis Mac Allister scored two and Dan Burn converted a set-piece to secure the 3-2 win at Everton. That first ever success at Goodison followed victory and a draw from trips to Anfield within the last year.
Dan Burn said: “We haven’t got many from set-pieces this season. I don’t score many headers so it was nice to get one. It gives us confidence. Now every set-piece we get, hopefully we will think we are going to score.”
Albion now have four set-piece goals, more than only three teams – including Everton on three. The Seagulls have conceded six from set plays while only two sides have let in more than Everton, who were breached for the eighth time on Sunday.
Rafa Benitez said: “We were practising specifically these kind of corners and how to defend them. We made mistakes. We know how and what we have to do but it’s not the time to point figures. We have to accept the mistake as a group.”
Burn was not complaining. The tough week was a personal triumph for him. Yes, there were challenging moments against Romelu Lukaku. Couldn’t the Chelsea striker have upset Thomas Tuchel a couple of days earlier? But Burn got better as that duel went on and enjoyed his tussle with returning Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison. Burn’s opening 45 minutes of 2021, at home to Wolves, were among his toughest for the club. His opening 90 of 2022 might have been his best.
Dan Burn said: “You don’t really play against strikers like that in the Premier League. It was more when I was coming through League One, League Two and stuff so it was a bit of a throwback. I have enjoyed it. It has been a good battle this week.”
