Everton ended their slump in the Premier League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Goodison Park yesterday and the Toffees’ faithful would certainly have been very pleased with their side’s display on the day.
Solid at the back and possessing the cutting edge in attack, it was finally a professional performance on show by Everton and the three points will now give Roberto Martinez’s men a lot of confidence heading into an important stage of the campaign.
With the victory, Everton now move up to twelfth place in the Premier League and things are certainly looking up for the Toffees following a difficult start to the campaign.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
|
Rating |
Comment |
| Tim Howard – 6
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It was a very comfortable afternoon for Howard, who was rarely tested throughout the course of the ninety minutes by the Villa attack. There will be tougher tests waiting for the veteran American during future matches but he would certainly have been happy to finally keep a clean sheet following such a difficult start to the season. |
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Seamus Coleman – 8
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While Tony Hibbert had certainly done a very good job filling in at right back in previous matches, Everton simply look a much better side with Seamus Coleman present and it was perfectly illustrated by his performance yesterday.
The marauding full back was simply sensational throughout the match and was rewarded with his customary goal 14 minutes from time to seal the game for the Toffees. |
| Phil Jagielka – 8
|
Phil Jagielka is proving to be quite the goal machine for Everton and it was his header in the first half that sent the hosts on their way to an easy victory. The strong defender was imperious at the back as well and did not allow the Villa attack even a sniff at goal. |
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Antolin Alcaraz – 7
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A surprise starter ahead of Sylvain Distin, Alcaraz was solid on the day at the heart of the defence alongside Jagielka.
While the Paraguayan international still has a long way to go before he can win over the Everton fans, his performance against Villa would have certainly pleased the Toffees’ faithful. |
| Leighton Baines – 8
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Leighton Baines has certainly not been at his best so far this season but the full back put in a wonderful performance against Villa yesterday which would have silenced a couple of his doubters. Baines grabbed two assists with two deliveries into the box of the highest order and it was certainly a fine performance from the England international. |
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Gareth Barry – 7
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It was another solid performance from Everton’s Mr. Consistent Gareth Barry on the day.
Acting as the midfield metronome, the former England star was magnificently judicious with the ball and very important to Everton’s victory. |
| James McCarthy – 7
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The partner in crime for Barry at the heart of the midfield, McCarthy was also solid as ever for Everton and it was his fine tackle at the middle of the park which sent the Toffees on their way for their third goal. |
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Leon Osman – 7.5
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It was a wonderfully lively performance by Leon Osman on the day and his inclusion in the side ahead of Aiden McGeady was more than justified.
Had a couple of decent efforts on goal and his overall performance was very impressive. |
| Ross Barkley – 8
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A surprise starter following his long injury layoff, Ross Barkley provided the creative drive that had been missing from Everton’s play in previous weeks. The young man did not show any signs of rustiness whatsoever and his importance to Everton’s play was perfectly illustrated by his fine performance which lifted the whole Toffees’ side. |
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Steven Naismith – 7
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Pushed out on the wide positions in order to accommodate the duo of Leon Osman and Ross Barkley into the side, Naismith did have many chances to continue his fine scoring run.
However, his tireless running throughout the game was well appreciated by the fans and Martinez would have been pleased with the Scottish international. |
| Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
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Lukaku did manage a goal but his performance on the day was still below par. Has to perform a lot better if he is to justify his £28million price tag. |
Substitutes
| Steven Pienaar – 6
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Brought on during the final moments of the game to provide fresh legs and the South African star did well. |
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Samuel Eto’o – NA
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Came on with only 5 minutes to go and did not have too much time to make an impact. |
| Darron Gibson – NA
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Gibson was brought on in the final minute to see out the game. |
