Ronald Koeman’s Everton have made a sizzling start to their new campaign and have maintained their unbeaten status this weekend with a relatively easy 3-1 victory over the newly promoted Middlesbrough side. First-half goals from Gareth Barry, Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku were enough for the Blues as they picked up their 4th victory on the trot at the start of the new season. The home side were clinical in their approach to the game and outplayed their opponents in almost every aspect on the night. Let’s take a look at how every player fared and the ratings they got from this game:
Maarten Stekelenburg 5/10
Made an unforgivable mistake early in that game as he turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Alvaro Negredo and could never really settle into the game thereafter.
Seamus Coleman 9/10
The player of the game for Everton, Coleman, got himself on the scoresheet minutes after the own goal and was influential in Everton’s best moments in the game from his flank.
Phil Jagielka 6/10
Stuck to his task well at the back and was instrumental in Everton not conceding any more goals after the howler. Was also a threat in set-pieces at the other end.
Ashley Williams 7/10
Was involved in Barry’s controversial opener for Everton at the other end and was superb at the back as well as he topped off a brilliant game with a victory on the night.
Leighton Baines 6/10
Did very well to keep his flank away from danger and though Boro hardly had any threat in attack, he looked calm and composed all night to give Everton their 4th victory of the season.
Idrissa Gueye 7/10
In yet another energetic performance from the summer buy, Gueye was once again an influential presence in the midfield for the Blues as he managed to keep the visitors away from danger for most of the game.
Gareth Barry 7/10
Opened the scoring on the night with a tidy finish and was an important part of the midfield for Everton that over-ran the Boro side. Barry was superb in the middle of the park, dictating the game and making a number of telling passes into dangerous areas all throughout the game.
Kevin Mirallas 5/10
Though put in some decent balls from set-pieces, Mirallas was not his usual self on the night as he found it hard to effect the game in the final third even on a night where Everton dominated the game.
Ross Barkley 7/10
One of the many outstanding players for Everton on the night, Barkley, hit a rich vein of form in the game as he looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and toyed with the Boro defenders for almost the entire game.
Yannick Bolasie 8/10
Arguably, the most influential player for Everton in the final third, Bolasie, has finally got on the scoresheet for the Blues as he picked up a goal and also an assist in an impressive performance from the winger.
Romelu Lukaku 8/10
Found the back of the net yet again after his hat-trick last weekend. Lukaku was simply unplayable on the night as the visitors had no answers to his movement and skill on a productive afternoon for the forward.
Substitutes
Enner Valencia 5/10
Came on for Lukaku for more than 20 minutes of the game and was impressive at times, but was hardly the presence Lukaku was in the first half.
Gerard Deulofeu 6/10
Came on with less than 20 minutes to play but created a couple of chances for his side as he replaced Mirallas who was also less than impressive
Tom Cleverley N/A
Was only used as a sub in stoppage time and was hardly even involved in the result.
