Everton saw their fantastic three match winning run come to an end following a 1-1 draw against Swansea City over the weekend but it has to be said that the point was a good one for the Toffees considering the fact that they were up against a quality side away from home.
The draw moves Everton to 12th place in the Premier League table and if Roberto Martinez men can continue their fine run of form for the final six matches of the season, even a top ten finish could well be within the realms of possibility.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
|
Player Rating |
Comment |
| Tim Howard – 7
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It was a very good performance from Howard on the day as he managed to keep the Swansea attack out with a couple of fine saves throughout the match – particularly a brilliant stop to deny Bafetimbi Gomis. The American could do nothing about Shelvey’s penalty in the second half but overall it was a solid performance. |
|
Seamus Coleman – 6
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It was a decent performance from Seamus Coleman and he looked good both in attack as well as at the back.
However, the Irishman managed to undo his good work throughout the match by conceding an unnecessary penalty and allow Swansea to grab the equalizer. |
| Phil Jagielka – 7
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Phil Jagielka has been a pillar of strength at the back for Everton in their recent renaissance and the defender was on top form once again by not allowing the Swans’ backline much of a sniff. |
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John Stones – 7
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The same can be said about Jagielka’s central defensive partner John Stones as well after the young man put in another established performance at the heart of the backline. |
| Leighton Baines – 6.5
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Baines was not allowed to venture as much as he would have liked during the clash but nonetheless, he did well to limit the quick Swansea wide men by putting in a quality performance at the back. |
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Gareth Barry – 6.5
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Gareth Barry went largely unnoticed during the clash but it is not to say that he did not perform well.Although unspectacular, Barry kept things neat and tidy at the middle of the park for the Toffees. |
| James McCarthy – 7.5
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Usually the man who keeps things moving in midfield, James McCarthy was afforded more freedom to venture forward and he managed to do so effectively throughout the match. McCarthy was a constant source of danger to the Swansea backline and he did provide the telling cross which allowed Lennon to score. |
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Ross Barkley – 6
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It was another indifferent performance from Ross Barkley during the clash.
The midfielder was largely anonymous in the first half and while he did improve in the second period, he certainly did not make the desired impact on the clash. |
| Leon Osman – NA
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Osman started once again but his outing was cut short within the half-and-hour mark due to a suspected groin injury. |
|
Aaron Lennon – 8
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Lennon has proven to be the catalyst in helping Everton enjoy their turnaround and the winger was crucial once again for the Toffees.
He handed Everton the lead in the first half with a well taken strike and apart from his goal, the Tottenham loanee caused a lot of problems to the Swans’ backline with his pace and industry. |
| Arouna Kone – 6
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Kone was clearly eager to impress during the absence of Lukaku but unfortunately, the striker could not marry his effort with a finishing touch. A largely forgetful day for the Ivorian international but his efforts will be appreciated by his teammates. |
Substitutes
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Steven Pienaar – 7.5
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Made a return to the team by replacing the injured Leon Osman early on in the first period and it has to be said that the South African international was impressive.
Energetic as usual in midfield, Pienaar helped Everton control the game and his return to contention is certainly a huge boost for the Toffees. |
| Steven Naismith – 6
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Came on during the last fifteen minutes of the game for the ineffective Kone and he did a decent job. |
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Kevin Mirallas – NA
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Brought on as a late substitute for Barkley. |
