- Everton have conceded from a corner in two successive Premier League matches.
- Van Dijk headed Liverpool to victory & Tomas Soucek’s head put West Ham in front.
- Opposing teams taking advantage of Everton’s weakness in defending corners.
Everton’s defeat against West Ham United was characterised by a sloppy defensive display from the away side.
The Blues conceded their first goal from a corner kick as Tomas Soucek leapt highest to grab a deserved lead for the Hammers.
It was another instance of a side taking advantage of a defensive weakness in David Moyes’ side, and a new stat has shown that opposing teams are targeting a specific area when delivering corners against them.
Opponents targeting Everton’s six-yard box
It was revealed on Sky Sports Monday Night Football that in the Premier League this season, Everton have faced the most attacking players in their six-yard box this season when defending corners.
This means that clubs are targeting the Blues from corner kicks by crowding their six-yard box and restricting the movement of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
| Club | Attacking players in the six-yard box – Average |
| Everton | 4.24 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 4.15 |
| West Ham United | 4.14 |
| Leeds United | 4.04 |
Ex-Everton defender Michael Ball pointed out that one of Everton’s main defensive weaknesses is Pickford’s hesitancy to come off his line when a ball is swung in from a corner.
Although England’s number one has been one of the Blues’ finest keepers in their history, it is evident that this aspect of his game is not helping the team, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Loss of Branthwaite does not help Everton
Everton have sorely missed Jarrad Branthwaite this season.
The defender has only featured 10 times for the Blues this campaign, and they are simply a better team at defending corners and set pieces when he plays.
Zoning in on defending corners, his physical presence helps Pickford by shielding the keeper from attacking threats, so losing the 23-year-old to injury makes them a weaker side, particularly when opponents have the opportunity to sling balls into the box.
With Branthwaite set to miss the rest of the season, it will likely mean more uncomfortable viewing for Evertonians when watching their team defend corners.
But with the English defender hoping to return for preseason, there is a belief that he can rebuild his fitness and be firing on all cylinders ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
