Seamus Coleman rolled back the years to pocket Wilfried Zaha in Everton’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil sealed a comfortable victory for Frank Lampard’s side.
After avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, Everton look far more comfortable this season, particularly at the back.
One player who stood out today was their captain Seamus Coleman, who played his third game in a week at 34 years-old.
At his age, it’s clear he is in the twilight of his career with both Everton and Ireland. Having made over 300 appearances for Everton since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009, he made his mark as an attacking full-back that was also solid defensively.
There is no denying it has been a rough decade for Everton. From competing for European places, to relegation battles last season, combined with financial issues off the pitch, Seamus Coleman has been solid throughout.
His loyalty to the club is unmatched, as he was determined to stay with Everton through the most difficult of times.
Seamus Coleman pushing Zaha to the ground and taking the ball from him in the 94th minute is all the nutrients I need to thrive.
— Everzonian (@everzonian) September 26, 2020
While he has not been the first choice option at right back since the signing of Nathan Patterson in January, Seamus Coleman has looked solid since Patterson’s injury.
Today he faced one of the Premier League’s trickiest forwards in Wilfried Zaha, who has made a career out of making top Premier League defenders look foolish.
However, Coleman used all his experience to keep Zaha quiet in a top display form the Ireland defender, and Everton fans absolutely loved it.
🇮🇪| An absolutely fantastic performance from Seamus Coleman in Everton’s 3-0 win vs Crystal Palace
Kept Wilf Zaha in his pocket
Everton and Ireland legend 💚🔥 pic.twitter.com/dqiZmgfGdW— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) October 22, 2022
Special mention to Seamus Coleman today by the way! He’s struggled in the last couple of games but he was absolutely phenomenal today! Throwback to his best!
Our Skipper! 💙 pic.twitter.com/uiszW19CFe— TheMightyBlues (@MightyBluesYT) October 22, 2022
Seamus Coleman had Zaha in his pocket once again today.
Was playing like he was 5 years younger, didn’t give him a sniff.
3 games in a week at his age, you can’t keep that man down.🇮🇪🔵— Ellis Nordhoff (@EllisNordhoff) October 22, 2022
This will be hugely positive for not just Everton and Frank Lampard, but also Stephen Kenny and Ireland. While Matt Doherty may be first choice at right wing-back, it will be encouraging to know Coleman can be called upon if necessary.
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