Conor Coady has detailed the training ground set-piece work that contributed to his first Everton goal in the 2-1 win at Southampton. Seeing his finish allowed to stand will bring welcome relief for Coady, with the on-loan centre-back seeing a dream goal in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool chalked off for offside not long ago. That disallowed goal – much like the equaliser against the Saints- came from the second phase of a set-play, and Coady has since revealed that is something they’ve been working hard on behind the scenes.
Conor Coady said: “First half we played really well but lacked a bit of a ruthless edge in the final third. I thought we deserved the three points as we were fantastic bar that little spell. It’s another win to build on. My eyes lit up a little bit at the back post when I saw it pop down. It was important we got it and that we bounced back pretty quickly from going behind. We work a lot on second-phase set-pieces, trying to make sure we do them right, so it’s pleasing when something like that comes off for us.”
Frank Lampard’s side were able to hold on for a second consecutive win and seventh unbeaten match, thanks in part to another outstanding performance between the posts from Jordan Pickford. The Blues goalkeeper only missed one game through injury – due to postponements and the international break – but Coady has underlined just how important his return to the defensive unit was today.
Conor Gallagher said: “He’s top-drawer, I’ve spoken about him a million times even before I’ve come to the club, about how incredible a keeper is. When we lose him, he’s a massive miss – when Asmir Begovic came in he did fantastic but you saw what Jordan brought today, he’s an outstanding keeper and long may that continue for us.”
