Everton surprised many by edging Chelsea two-nil on Sunday, and Seamus Coleman’s efforts against the Stamford Bridge outfit earned him a spot in one pundit’s Team of the Week, even though not every Blues fan was impressed by our right-back.
Coleman has often been criticised for his efforts at the back for the Toffees this term, and some supporters felt he was one of the few weak links in the side that dealt Maurizio Sarri his seventh Premier League defeat.
Can Seamus Coleman fall ill again like last week. He’s so poor. Can’t make a simple pass
— Liam (@LKelly_92) March 17, 2019
Those hesitant to heap praise on the 30-year-old had a few reasons to, as the 49-cap international only recorded one successful tackle and 25 accurate passes against the Pensioners.
Republic of Ireland’s captain did hold the third-best pass success rate of any Everton player, intercept the ball twice and played the second most key passes of anyone in the game for either side, though.
That’s why he earned a spot in the Express’ Ben Pringle’s Team of the Week, oddly alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga despiting conceding twice, and those criticising his efforts at Goodison Park were wrong, at least this time.
“[Coleman] just about kept tabs on Eden Hazard for the opening 45 minutes before completely dominating his illustrious opponent after the break,” Pringle claims.
“[He] got forward to support the attack as the Toffees comfortably saw off Chelsea.
“[Arrizabalaga] may well have been on the end of a disappointing defeat, but the Spaniard can hold his head up high after his performance against Everton.
“Kepa made smart stops from Andre Gomes and Theo Walcott while also keeping out Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty – only for the Icelandic midfielder to bury the rebound.”