Jake O'Brien prepares to take a throw-in during the match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 26, 2025(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Much has been made of the first two goals for Tottenham Hotspur coming from corners and the threat they offered from throw-ins.Some people don’t take throw-ins seriously, but they’re a crucial part of the game. While we all like seeing perfect football from the goalkeeper all the way through, set pieces are so important.You’ve got to have that dedication in training. It might be boring because you’re standing there for 90 minutes, going through set-pieces, how you’re going to put together a situation going forward or how you’re going to defend it. I had the ability to put in a long throw-in when I was playing. It was just an opportunity to pop the question.We had players like Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell who could cause problems. It’s not just about the first phase, it’s the second drop down.

OPINION