Everton finally managed to end their terrible slump by earning a 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday and apart from the valuable point gained from the clash, what would have been pleasing for manager Roberto Martinez was his side’s resolute performance on the day.
Heading into the game no one gave Everton a chance due to their torrid run of form, allied by Manchester City’s brilliant run of results. However, Everton were not going to just lie down in wait for a defeat and they certainly gave City a run for their money.
In a tight first half, both teams created little but the second period sparked into life and the match turned into an enthralling affair. It was Fernandinho who handed City the lead from a counter attack but Everton refused to lie down and managed to grab the equalizer soon after going behind.
The Toffees perhaps had the better chances throughout the game as well and if it were not for the heroics of Joe Hart, Romelu Lukaku would surely have managed to get himself on the score sheet. At the end, the draw was probably the fair result and Martinez will now hope that his side can use the display as a catalyst to spark their turnaround.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
|
Player Rating |
Comment |
Joel Robles – 6 |
There is no denying that Joel Robles is a fine young goalkeeper but he does not exude the same confidence as Tim Howard and the Spaniard looked a bit shaky against City. Although he did not have much to do, Robles seemed to lack communication with his defenders and never imposed himself in goal. |
|
Seamus Coleman – 6.5
|
The performance against City was a huge improvement from Coleman in comparison to his recent displays.
The Irishman was lively going forward and nearly scored with a brilliant effort, while he managed to deal with the City wingers wonderfully well at the back. |
Phil Jagielka – 6.5 |
After struggling in recent times, Jagielka looked comfortable in the centre back position alongside John Stones. Jagielka was a commanding presence at the back and managed to deal with the threat posed by Stevan Jovetic and then Sergio Aguero. |
|
John Stones – 6.5
|
John Stones brings about more assuredness to the Everton backline and it was very important during the clash against Manchester City.
Stones did not flinch despite coming up against an illustrious strike force and stuck to his task really well. |
Leighton Baines – 7 |
Baines finally displayed signs of returning to his best by putting in a fine display on the day. The defender was a constant thorn in the City backline with his marauding runs and he also provided a wonderful delivery from a free kick which allowed Steven Naismith to score. |
|
Gareth Barry – 7
|
Up against his former club, Gareth Barry would have been determined to put in a good performance and he certainly did that with an assured display at the middle of the park.
The Englishman has been poor in recent weeks but he was a huge presence in the clash against City and did not allow the likes of Silva and Nasri to dominate at the middle of the park. |
Muhamed Besic – 7.5 |
It was a combatively terrific performance at the middle of the park by young Muhamed Besic. Although his passing is not as good as James McCarthy, the Bosnian seems to be very adept at breaking up play at the middle of the park and he was more than a match for the duo of Fernando and Fernandinho. |
|
Aiden McGeady – 5
|
McGeady was handed a start in place of Kevin Mirallas but the Irishman failed to seize on his opportunity.
The winger could not get the better off Gael Clichy and was understandably hauled off in the second half. |
Steven Naismith – 7.5 |
Steven Naismith is turning into a big player for Everton over the course of the season and he put in another wonderful performance on the day. Industrious as always, Naismith caused a lot of problems to the City backline and his goal at the end was well deserved. |
|
Ross Barkley – 6
|
Barkley was largely anonymous in the first half but he did grow into the game during the second period.
Apart from a hopeful free kick though, Barkley simply did not make much of an impact throughout the game. |
Romelu Lukaku – 7.5 |
The late winner against West Ham United seems to have revitalized Lukaku and he put in a fine performance in leading the line against City. Lukaku looked very dangerous on the ball and he simply tore apart the City backline with two wonderful runs. The youngster could have scored a couple as well if it were not for Joe Hart’s heroics but the performance would have most certainly pleased Martinez. |
Substitues
Kevin Mirallas – 6 |
Mirallas came on as a late substitute but did not have too much time to make an impact. |
