Everton travelled to the West Midlands to take on West Bromwich Albion as part of the Boxing Day Premier League action. Sam Allardyce is yet to lose a game as the Toffees boss since his arrival at the end of November and was looking to continue his good run with a result at the Hawthorns. The Baggies were desperate for a win in this game while Everton looked to stretch their unbeaten streak to 8 games in all competitions.
Big Sam opted for a 3-1-4-2 formation and his strategy was enough to secure a draw. Both teams fought tooth and nail to claim the all-important three points but ended up sharing the spoils in a goalless game of football.
Let’s shed some light on how each Everton player fared on the night.
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10
He defended the Everton defence late on when West Brom started to bombard their defence with crosses from corners. Other than that, he had a relatively easy game in goal for the Toffees.
CB: Mason Holgate – 6/10
He made a few good blocks to stop some of the Baggies’ attacks and breathed a sigh of relief when Solomon Rondon was taken off.
CB: Ashley Williams – 7/10
He put in a commanding performance and was the leader at the back for the Everton defence. He put in a strong performance and looks to have found his form under Big Sam.
CB: Michael Keane – 7/10
He did well to withstand the Baggies’ late on-slaught where he made some clearances to ensure a point for his team.
CDM: Morgan Schneiderlin – 6/10
An efficient display shielding the Everton backline, he had a great game doing all the dirty work in midfield.
RM: Jonjoe Kenny – 7/10
He saved his team through a great goal-line clearance with his head in the first half and was tireless all throughout the game.
CM: Tom Davies – 5/10
Not the best game from the Toffees youngster who is slowly trying to come back to form.
CM: Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6/10
The Icelandic international went missing at times during his performance at the Hawthorns but kept the ball well while linking up play as part of the Toffees attack.
LM: Cuco Martina – 6/10
He began the match well defensively and also provided support to Yannick Bolasie in the first half. However, he was made to do more defensive work after the break and stood firm to withstand the late Baggies onslaught.
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5/10
He looked an isolated figure in the first half and was rightfully substituted after an hour of play.
ST: Yannick Bolasie – 6/10
It was great for him to return to action for the Toffees but he looked a little rusty in the Toffees attack.
Substitutes:
ST: Aaron Lennon – 5/10
The English speedster failed to make an impact after coming on for the final quarter of the game.
ST: Oumar Niasse – 6/10
He forced a double save out of Foster after coming on but couldn’t conjure up a winner for Everton.
CM: Beni Baningime – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact.
