Everton defender Seamus Coleman managed to score for the first time of the season this weekend.
Coleman picked up a serious injury last season, and he has not been able to train as regularly as he wanted.
As a result the right-back has come in for some criticism this season, as his performances have fallen below his usual high standards.
But the Everton man managed to get on the scoresheet for the first time this campaign in Marco Silva’s side’s last match against Brighton.
And Coleman said: “I didn’t do a lot of training and part of my game is my fitness.
“I feel much fitter and I just wanted to prove a point. More importantly, we won the game.
“I’ve been here nine years and had good and bad spells of form. Players can be very precious over criticism. The only way you can keep going is keep battling and doing the right things, keep working hard in training and listening to the manager and your luck will turn around. That is what happened to me”
Coleman’s goal against Brighton was very well taken, as he drilled the ball in from the edge of the box.
The Republic of Ireland international should have silenced some of the doubters now, as he seeks to get back to his best.
Everton’s win over Brighton came after a fine performance at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are now up to ninth in the Premier League table, after an encouraging start to life under Silva’s tutelage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
