Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna offered his views on Everton’s forward line, providing a glimpse of what opposition bosses think of Sean Dyche’s attack
Everton’s front four were praised by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who spoke highly of a contingent that repeatedly caused his side problems. The Blues left Portman Road with all three points after securing the club’s first away win since December.
While the hosts also had chances, the 2-0 victory could have been more comfortable had Everton been more ruthless.
For McKenna, the Blues’ strengths heading into the match were clear. Knowing what the threats are does not always make it possible to counter them, however.
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After the match, McKenna told the ECHO: “They didn’t do anything to surprise us. The first half was as we expected. Their strengths are pretty obvious.
“In the second half I thought they performed well, they held on to the 2-0 well, they controlled the game well with the ball and showed their experience.”
That experience shone through in the closing stages, with top-flight stalwarts like Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, Michael Keane and James Tarkowski helping to fend off Ipswich’s efforts to get back into the game.
While Everton’s defensive strength was clear – a positive sign for Sean Dyche after the start to the season was characterised by devastating collapses – McKenna was full of praise for the Blues’ attack.
Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring and Dwight McNeil provided the assist for Keane’s stunning second.
Jack Harrison repeatedly caused issues by cutting onto his left and whipping in-swinging crosses, one such delivery creating the havoc from which Ndiaye capitalised.
And while Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Suffolk without adding to his tally, he had several glorious chances, some fashioned by himself in what was – finishing aside – a solid display.
McKenna remarked afterwards: “They’ve got a really high level of individual quality. So when any one of the front four has the ball, you never feel safe.”
