Following their first win in the Premier League against West Bromwich Albion last week, Everton continued their good run of form by kick starting the Europa League campaign with a thumping 4-1 victory over German side VfL Wolfsburg last night.
Although the final score line may have flattered Everton a bit as the match was an even contest, the result was certainly a huge confidence boost for the Toffees and manager Roberto Martinez would have been delighted by the cutting edge shown by his side in front of goal.
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 – 7
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Although the score line may have suggested an easy victory for Everton, goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action on many occasions throughout the clash and the American star was certainly more than up to the task as he made a couple of fine save during crucial moments of the match.
Could not do anything whatsoever about Ricardo Rodriguez’s fine free kick at the death though. |
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Seamus Coleman – 7.5
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Coleman was back to his energetic best on the night and was rewarded with a goal after smartly turning in a Leighton Baines cross just ahead of the interval.
Did wonderfully well in defence as well in negating the danger posed by Kevin De Bruyne. |
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Phil Jagielka – 6.5
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After a shaky start to the season, Phil Jagielka is slowly but surely returning to top form and his performance on the day was certainly solid.
Maybe too relaxed on the ball on occasions but Jagielka did very well throughout the course of the match. |
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John Stones – 7
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What a great prospect young John Stones is!
Having impressed against West Brom on the weekend, Stones put in another equally strong performance against Wolfsburg and the maturity the young man shows every time he steps on the pitch is something special. |
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Leighton Baines – 7.5
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Another player who has drastically improved since the start of the season, Leighton Baines was excellent against Wolfsburg.
It was his fine cross through which Coleman scored the opener and the defender displayed a lot of composure to slot away from the spot in the second half. |
Gareth Barry – 7 |
Solid as ever throughout the game and his accurate passing was a hallmark throughout the match. Barry’s presence in midfield also meant that Coleman and Baines were allowed room to bomb forward. |
James McCarthy – 7.5 |
After his shaky performance against West Brom, McCarthy was again back to his best on Thursday. Full of running throughout the match, McCarthy was simply outstanding and played a role in opener as well by playing in Baines. |
| Aiden McGeady – 6 |
McGeady was dangerous as always on the ball and earned his side a penalty. Did well to track Rodriguez in defence as well but was too wasteful with his passing. |
Steven Naismith – 7 |
Although a bit quiet by his high standards, Naismith certainly delivered a good performance and it was his fine run which forced an own goal from Rodriguez. |
Kevin Mirallas – 7.5 |
Was a constant menace for the Wolfsburg full backs throughout the night and although his final product was not the greatest, the Belgian certainly played a big role in Everton’s fine victory. Coolly slotted home the fourth late on, after being played in by Samuel Eto’o. |
Romelu Lukaku – 6 |
While Lukaku certainly tried hard, it was not his best game and did not cause the Wolfsburg defenders enough problems. Hauled off in the 70th minute of the game. |
Substitutes
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Samuel Eto’o – 7
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Came on with 20 minutes remaining and looked way more dangerous than Lukaku.
The veteran delighted the fans with some class touches on the ball and wonderfully played in Mirallas to help Everton score the fourth. |
Darron Gibson – NA |
Made his return to action from a long injury lay off during the final embers of the game and showed some neat passing. |
