Everton had to settle for their second consecutive draw after playing out a 1-1 stalemate with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Sebastian Larsson had handed Sunderland the lead in the second half but Everton hit back in the 76th minute of the game through a Leighton Baines penalty. Both teams had good chances throughout the match and at the end; the draw was probably the fair result.
While Roberto Martinez would certainly have been looking to claim a victory heading into the international break, a point away from home against tough opposition has to be considered a good result for the Toffees.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
|
Rating |
Comment |
|
Tim Howard – 6
|
Howard did not have much to do but stuck to his task well whenever called upon.
Could not do anything about Sebastian Larsson brilliant free kick and perhaps made one of the most unconventional saves one will ever see late on into the game when he literally jumped on the ball. |
| Seamus Coleman – 6.5
|
It was a steady if unspectacular performance from Seamus Coleman on the day. Very solid in defence, Coleman also won the penalty through which Everton managed to equalize and it was another good performance from the Irishman. |
|
Phil Jagielka – 6.5
|
While Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham may not be the most prolific strikers in the world, the duo is a physical presence who can cause problems to any defence in the world.
As a result, Everton skipper Phil Jagielka had to be in top form to deny the two Sunderland strikers and it has to be said that the England international did very well. |
| Sylvain Distin – 6.5
|
Much like Jagielka, Sylvain Distin had to be very strong to deny Fletcher and Wickham and the veteran Frenchman certainly stuck to his task well. With the likes of Stones and Alcaraz out long term, Roberto Martinez will be hopeful that Distin can continue in the same vein. |
|
Leighton Baines – 6
|
Baines was very quiet in attack by his standards in the first half but did well to put the Sunderland backline under pressure after the interval.
Scored the penalty to equalize but perhaps a bit lucky as Costel Pantilimon allowed the shot to squirm under his body. |
| Gareth Barry – NA
|
Barry started the game well but had to be stretchered off in the 13th minute itself with a serious looking ankle injury. |
|
James McCarthy – 7.5
|
With Barry forced off early on, the onus was on James McCarthy to step up to the mark in midfield and that is what he exactly did.
The Irishman was superb throughout – with his work rate absolutely brilliant and it was his fine interception from a Wes Brown header at the end which salvaged a point for his side. |
| Aiden McGeady – 5
|
McGeady could not build on his fine performance against Swansea last week and put in an indifferent display at the Stadium of Light. While the winger did show glimpse, he was largely wasteful and it was not surprise to see him hauled off as Everton were chasing the game. |
|
Ross Barkley – 5.5
|
Ross Barkley is still not back to his best following his long term injury and it shows.
The midfielder made a couple of exciting positive runs but could not provide the end product. |
| Romelu Lukaku – 5.5
|
After a few poor performances, Lukaku looked up for the game against Sunderland and fashioned a couple of fine chances. However, should have done better with his finishing and overall it was another frustrating outing for the young Belgian. |
|
Samuel Eto’o – 7
|
Samuel Eto’o was surprisingly deployed in a number 10 role on the day but such is the class of the veteran that he performed very well. Looked the most dangerous outlet for Everton and it was his fine through ball to Coleman which drew the penalty. |
Substitutes
|
Darron Gibson – 6
|
Gibson had to come on earlier than he anticipated following Barry’s injury but it has to be said that he did well.
However, his dalliance on the ball during the second half could have cost Everton dear – if it were not for a fine Tim Howard save. |
| Leon Osman – NA
|
Came on later into the game to replace Barkley but did not have enough time to make much of an impact. |
|
Steven Naismith – NA
|
A surprise exclusion from the starting eleven but could not do much after struggling to get involved after coming on. |
