Burnley’s set-piece mastery played a crucial role in their victory over Everton, showcasing their well-drilled routines, aerial dominance, and clever movement to capitalize on dead-ball situations. Their ability to execute set-pieces with precision allowed them to break down Everton’s defense and secure a crucial win.

Key Aspects of Burnley’s Set-Piece Success

1. Strategic Delivery & Variation

• Burnley utilized a mix of inswinging and outswinging crosses to keep Everton’s defense guessing.
• Players like Josh Brownhill and Johann Berg Gudmundsson delivered pinpoint balls into the box, targeting areas where Everton’s marking was weakest.
• They varied their approach with short corners, flick-ons, and near-post runs, preventing Everton from settling into a defensive rhythm.

2. Aerial Dominance & Target Players

• Burnley’s tall and physical players, including James Tarkowski (before his move to Everton), Jordan Beyer, and Jay Rodriguez, provided a strong aerial presence.
• Their positioning inside the box was well-rehearsed, with players making late runs to attack the ball at the perfect moment.
• Burnley exploited Everton’s set-piece vulnerabilities, especially against zonal marking, by overloading key areas and creating mismatches.

3. Blocking & Distracting Defenders

• Burnley used smart off-the-ball movement, including decoy runs and blocks, to free up key headers of the ball.
• One player would often drag a defender away from the danger zone, creating space for a teammate to attack the delivery.
• This tactic was particularly effective against Everton’s center-backs, forcing them into difficult aerial duels.

4. Second-Ball Awareness

• Even when the initial header wasn’t on target, Burnley was quick to react to second balls.
• Midfielders and full-backs, including Connor Roberts, were positioned outside the box to pick up loose balls and recycle possession.
• This sustained pressure kept Everton pinned back, leading to multiple goal-scoring opportunities from set-pieces.

5. Defensive Set-Piece Strength

• Burnley was also efficient in defending set-pieces, preventing Everton from creating similar threats.
• Their tight marking and disciplined clearances ensured they remained in control of defensive situations.