Ronald Koeman praises Romelu Lukaku as he matches Dixie Dean's Everton record
Sunday 16 April 2017 12:57, UK
Ronald Koeman saluted Romelu Lukaku after he matched one of Everton great Dixie Dean's records in the win over Burnley.
Lukaku's 24th Premier League goal of the season in the 3-1 victory meant he has scored in nine successive home league matches, matching the legendary Dean's record set in 1934.
"It is a big achievement, the same as it is a big achievement for the team that we have eight wins in a row at home," said Koeman.
"I heard Everton in 2017 is the most productive team (in terms of goals scored) behind Barcelona. That is fantastic for the fans to enjoy the football, enjoy the wins.
"We are breaking records and, if we can keep that (going) until the end of the season, that would be nice."
Club captain Phil Jagielka praised the character of Ross Barkley after the midfielder capped a difficult week off the field with a man-of-the-match performance.
"I've known Ross for a long time now. He's been around the first-team for a long, long time and nothing fazes him," Jagielka told the club's website.
"These things can happen. It's not ideal but, character-wise, he was still out there for the Academy Day this week and joined in.
"He's a normal lad who likes to play football and I'm going to give him that goal, even though it might only go down as an assist."
