Everton finally kick started their campaign following their 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The win would have come as a huge relief for manager Roberto Martinez as he had seen his side play well but failed the get the desired points on the board during the Toofees’ last three games and he will now be hoping to see his side build on their victory for the upcoming matches.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
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Rating |
Comment |
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Tim Howard – 6
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Was not called into action on too many occasions but remained solid throughout and his double save at the end to deny the Baggies a consolation proved how determined the American international was in order to keep a clean sheet. |
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Seamus Coleman – 6
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Very quiet by his standards, Coleman was solid if unspectacular on the day and did not do much wrong.
While Everton fans will be hoping to see the Irishman in more of an attacking capacity in future matches, Coleman would have been very pleased with his display at the back. |
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Phil Jagielka – 7
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Following his horror show against Chelsea a fortnight ago, Phil Jagielka recovered brilliantly against the Baggies to put in a typical commanding display at the heart of the defence on Saturday.
The England international did not try anything fancy and simply dealt with what the West Brom attackers had to throw at him like any proper defender |
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John Stones – 7
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Replacing the experienced Distin at the heart of the defence, John Stones proved why he is so highly rated with a fine performance against the Baggies.
Calm and assured on the ball, Stones floated throughout the game and although he made a few mistakes, the young man did remarkably well to recover. |
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Leighton Baines – 7
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After an uncharacteristic start to the season, Leighton Baines finally put in a performance which reminded everyone how good a player he is.
Bombing up and down the field, Baines was solid in defence as well as dangerous in attack and his display on the day was exemplary. |
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Gareth Barry – 7.5
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Another brilliantly efficient performance, Gareth Barry was once again the midfielder who orchestrated his side’s victory. Very efficient on the ball, the veteran midfielder rarely gave possession away and was solid as ever while on the back foot. |
James McCarthy – 5.5 |
James McCarthy did not enjoy his best performance by any stretch of the imagination. While not for the want of trying, McCarthy seemed to have his passing range off on the day and as a result, put Everton on difficult situations one too many times. |
Aiden McGeady – 6.5 |
Riding high on confidence following his heroics in the midweek internationals, Aiden McGeady put in a very good shift for Everton this weekend. Although his final ball left something to be desired, no one could fault his work ethic on the day. |
Steven Naismith – 6 |
Steven Naismith’s remarkable goalscoring run came to an end against the Baggies and in truth his performance this weekend did not match the form he had shown earlier on in the campaign. Naismith work hard but lacked quality and his poor day was capped off after he inexplicably went on to miss an open goal from 8 yards out. |
Kevin Mirallas – 8 |
After a slow start to the season, Kevin Mirallas seems to be hitting top gear in recent times and his performance this weekend was fantastic. The Belgian star always looked like a danger whenever on the ball and although his goal was a bit fortuitous, he certainly deserved the slice of luck for his fine display. |
Romelu Lukaku – 8 |
Another player who finally seems to be getting back to his best is Romelu Lukaku. While the young striker does not look fully fit, he was a constant menace to the Baggies’ backline and scored with a sumptuous finish to hand Everton the lead in the first half. |
Substitutes
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Leon Osman – 6
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Osman came on in the second half for Lukaku and could have got on the score sheet on a couple of occasions, only to see his efforts denied by fine saves from Ben Foster. |
Muhamed Besic – NA |
Came on in the last minute of the game and although he stayed away from trying any extravagant backheels this time around, the young man still managed to sensationally get himself on the book. |
