Everton grabbed their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-0 win over Southampton away from home and the match was almost a perfect away performance from the Toffees.
Playing a counter attacking style, Roberto Martinez got his tactics spot on during the game and the Toffees faithful would have been extremely pleased with their side’s improved performance following an insipid display against Watford last time out.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
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Player Rating |
Comment |
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Tim Howard – 7
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While the result suggests that Everton had a comfortable outing, it has to be said that Tim Howard had an important contribution to make in The Toffees’ victory. Howard pulled off a fine save from Sadio Mane just after Everton had found the back of the net and the American international also did very well to deny the Southampton attack on numerous occasions throughout the course of the game. |
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Seamus Coleman – 7
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It was a typical marauding performance from Coleman on the day and he caused a lot of problems to the Southampton backline with his pace down the right.
The Irishman was solid defensively as well and overall it was a quality performance. |
Phil Jagielka – 7.5 |
A tower of strength in the Everton backline, Phil Jagielka put in a top class performance to deny the Southampton attack any sort of clear cut opportunities. |
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John Stones – 7.5
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The performance from Stones provided evidence to why Chelsea are prepared to pay over the odds to secure his services this summer.
The young Englishman was coolness personified during the clash and hardly put a foot wrong at the back. |
Brendan Galloway – 7 |
Brendon Galloway has huge shoes to fill due to the absence of Leighton Baines through injury and the youngster has more than acquitted himself well so far. Although Galloway looks a very different player to Baines, the young man was solid and he did not allow the Southampton wingers any joy down the left hand side. |
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Gareth Barry – 7
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Despite his advancing years, Gareth Barry remains a top quality player and he proved this fact with a fine performance on Saturday.
The midfielder rarely ever lost the ball and provided an important shield to the Everton backline. |
James McCarthy – 7 |
McCarthy and Barry are like two peas in a pod and the Irishman combined very well with the experienced Everton star to put in a fine performance. The young midfielder was solid as ever at the middle of the park and he went on his job with minimal fuss. |
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Tom Cleverley – 6.5
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Playing in an unfamiliar wide position, Tom Cleverley had a decent game but he could have been left ruing squandering a great opportunity from Ross Barkley’s rebound. |
Ross Barkley – 8 |
Following a difficult campaign last term, Ross Barkley has found a new lease of life this season and he continued his fine form with a brilliant performance against the Saints. The midfielder took his goal wonderfully well and then also picked up an assist to cap off a productive game. |
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Arouna Kone – 8
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Much like Barkley, Arouna Kone has started the campaign with a point to prove and his performances over the last two games have been well worth the wait for Everton.
The Ivorian was rewarded with a start on Saturday and despite playing in an unfamiliar wide position, the 31-year old put in a fine display and his wonderful cross allowed Romelu Lukaku to open the scoring. |
Romelu Lukaku – 8.5 |
Romelu Lukaku has started off the campaign in fine fashion and he was almost unplayable against Southampton on Saturday. Showing predatory instincts in front of goal, the Belgian grabbed a fine brace on the day and his overall display throughout the match would have certainly pleased manager Roberto Martinez. |
Substitues
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Steven Naismith – NA
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Naismith was brought on with only 10 minutes remaining and the winger did not have much time to make an impact. |
Tyias Browning – NA |
A late sub to see out the game. |
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Gerard Deulofeu – NA
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Came on late alongside Browning to make his second debut for Everton. |
