As an Irish football supporter, you must get a kick out of Seamus Coleman’s attitude. He shrinks in no man’s presence.
The Everton right-back had another excellent Premier League outing last night as he dealt with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and headed home a vital equaliser just before half-time.
From being in danger of being brushed aside, Everton got in at the break level and went on to win the game through Ashley Williams. Two headed goals and a feisty performance seeing off a Gunners side that did a lot of complaining after the fact – we have been here before.
There was one small yet significant moment that suggested the tie was heading in Everton’s favour. Typically, Coleman was involved.
As both sides made their way towards the tunnel, Gabriel and Mesut Ozil took issue with Enner Valencia. They crowded him and gesticulated angrily but Coleman was on the scene, pushing Valencia back and exchanging words with the Arsenal men himself.
You can see Gabriel second guessing himself. Coleman was a different prospect.
Ozil did not mind keeping the chat up but he was keeping his distance, happy to skirt around the back of a TV cameraman.
When it came time to get up the cramped Goodison Park tunnel, Coleman stepped in again.
He was going in first and so was Valencia. Everton were going in first.
Out came the hand and Ozil, all £42.5m of him, could wait.
You’re at Goodison Park and you can wait your turn.
Two small moments over the course of a hard-fought match but perfect leadership from the Irish defender.
It was hard not to think of Roy Keane letting it be known to Arsenal’s Patrick Vieira that he was not going to intimidate his teammates.
Football fans loved Coleman’s spirit, and you can’t blame them.
Seamus Coleman is a future Everton captain, loved his passion and fight all season but especially tonight.
— Tortured Toffee. Lge🥇9️⃣ FA🏆5️⃣ CWC🏆1️⃣ CS🏵9️⃣ (@torturedtoffee) December 14, 2016
Coleman is by far the best player produced on these shores in recent years, comfortably able to mix it up with Sanchez, Ozil and Co.
— Cormac Byrne (@CMacByrne) December 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/Jay__s97/status/808811291863347200
https://twitter.com/bcwilloww/status/808788958159183873
