Goal-scorer Mirallas The Key Man As Everton Edge Past Hull

It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for Roberto Martinez and Everton, but in the end they held off Steve Bruce’s battling Hull City side to take all three points at Goodison Park. Kevin Mirallasplayed a key role in that win, putting in a Squawka Man of the Match display, earning 72 points.

The 26-year-old Belgium international typically started on the right flank in Martinez’s 4-2-3-1 system, but he didn’t stay there. Instead, he often drifted across to the left flank as well as into central positions both at the top of the penalty area and in deeper positions in order to get on the ball. His Action Heat Map, below, reflects that.

The positional freedom he was allowed played a huge part in him getting on the score sheet for the first time this season. He had taken up a position just outside of the penalty area on the left side. Leon Osmanlaid the ball off to him and he rifled it home past a distracted Allan McGregor. The Scotland goalkeeper didn’t even dive. He and his defence failed to focus on the developing play, instead allowing themselves to be sidetracked by an incident involving Leighton Baines that happened in the build-up. Still, it was a fine strike from the Belgian.

But Mirallas didn’t just cause problems when he came off the right flank; he proved a real threat in his starting position. His crossing was quite good on the day, as he found a team-mate with two of the five he attempted in open play for a 40% completion rate. One of those crosses became an assist, as Steven Pienaar slotted home the Toffees’ game-clinching goal just seconds after being subbed on. His corner deliveries were spot on as well, as he found a team-mate with each of the three he took from the right side.

He drifted out of the game towards the end, but by then he had done what was required of him, grabbing a goal and an assist. It was a fine attacking performance from him. He showed his ability to be direct on the right flank, as well as clever in his movement across the field. A player as tactically flexible as he is is no doubt an asset for Martinez, as he offers the Spaniard several different options.

As Everton continue to grow under Martinez’s tutelage, Mirallas will continue to prove key – just as he did versus Hull City