Jeff Hendrick was the hero at Goodison Park on Sunday.
With his first shot on target in 11 Premier League appearances since April, Jeff Hendrick grabbed his first ever goal away from home for Burnley.
The Republic of Ireland international scored the only goal in the Clarets’ 1-0 Premier League win at Everton. While Hendrick got the finish, it was a wonderful team effort that involved three Irishmen in total.
The move started with Robbie Brady on the right channel. He had the vision to see compatriot Stephen Ward making a run along the opposite wing, so he launched a long ball into his path.
The lofted pass bounced just inside the Everton box, leaving two Toffees defenders helpless to do anything but simply watch it go towards the sprinting Ward.
Ward allowed it to bounce a couple of times as he assessed his options. He finally picked his man and hit a high cross with his first touch just before it was about to go out for a goal kick.
He picked out Chris Wood exquisitely, who gave an almighty leap to nod the ball down to Hendrick who was skulking about on the edge of the area.
Hendrick remained composed, took a touch to control the ball then played it towards Scott Arfield in the semi circle.
Scott Arfield showed great determination and strength to ride a challenge as he peeled away towards the left of the penalty area. He spotted Ward getting a few yards on his marker and played it into the Irishman’s path.
Although there was a forward on the far post calling for it to be placed on his head, Ward took the smarter route. With a first-time pass along the floor, he picked out Hendrick perfectly.
Although he was unmarked when the pass had been played, an Everton defender darted towards him once he saw what was happening. Hendrick was the paragon of calmness as he allowed the ball to run past the incoming slide tackle which opened up the shot on his right boot.
With all the space and time in the world, but three Everton players between him and the net, Hendrick picked his shot.
He made absolutely no mistake with the finish either.
Three Irishmen involved in a brilliant team goal with free-form passing, but could you honestly ever see this move be attempted under the current Irish set-up?
