Analysis: The unusual Everton kick-off routine that left everyone talking

Everton grabbed attention across the football world after unveiling an unusual kickoff routine during their Premier League clash with Burnley, a move many commentators admitted they had never seen before.

The surprising tactic came right at the start of the match and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the game. While kickoff routines are normally predictable, Everton’s approach was anything but ordinary.

The moment occurred immediately after the referee signalled the start of the match. Midfielder James Garner began the play by tapping the ball backwards from the centre spot, which is a normal requirement under football rules.

However, instead of keeping possession with a short pass, teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stepped forward, lifted the ball slightly, and launched it high and deep into Burnley’s half.

The ball soared high into the air and dropped near Burnley’s defensive line, forcing the opposition to react quickly.

Confusion among Burnley players

The unexpected move appeared to catch Burnley off guard. With most teams choosing to play short passes from kickoff, Burnley’s players were momentarily unsure how to respond to the sudden aerial ball.

That brief confusion allowed Everton’s attackers to push forward quickly and challenge for the second ball, giving them an early territorial advantage.

By sending the ball deep immediately, Everton effectively forced Burnley onto the defensive within seconds of the match beginning.

Football analysts later suggested that the tactic was designed to create instant pressure and disrupt Burnley’s defensive organisation before they could settle into their usual shape.

Pundits react to the unusual tactic

In modern football, kickoff strategies typically focus on retaining possession and building play slowly from the back. Everton’s decision to launch the ball long right from kickoff broke from that conventional pattern.

Commentators watching the match were quick to point out just how unusual the move was. Former defender and football analyst Martin Keown expressed his surprise live during the broadcast.

“It’s the old up-and-under… I’ve never seen that from a kick-off before. Wow. It’s more like rugby league,” Keown said as he reacted to the moment.

Another commentator described the routine as “unusual to say the least,” noting that it resembled a rugby-style territorial kick rather than a typical football kickoff.

Whether it was a carefully planned tactic or a bold experiment, the routine succeeded in immediately putting Burnley under pressure.

Everton maintained control and momentum throughout the match and eventually secured a comfortable 2–0 victory, adding further attention to the unusual moment that had sparked so much discussion earlier in the game.

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