In the space of a few days, Goodison Park has changed from a depressing arena of uncertainty to a place of tentative hope. Not so long ago, Everton were the bogey side teams were craving to face. In the space of a few days, the scenario at Merseyside looks different.
After an active summer where the club spent a fortune to bring in world famous talents, the club was expected to have a crack at the top six. Things turned horrific as Everton were beaten by sides both above and below their quality.
As their form slumped down through a never-ending spiral, it saw the hammer fall on their ex-boss Ronald Koeman. Koeman’s sacking did little to change the club’s fortunes as they became the league’s bashing boys.
It was finally the arrival of Big Sam that has seen a mini rejuvenation in Everton. The club has now churned out results against two big sides in the form of Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Everton side looked tired and jaded but with the help of some luck and good defensive organization managed to hold on to the 0-0 scoreline. The Merseyside club looks a whole different team under their new manager and remains undefeated since the appointment of Big Sam.
The Toffees offered very little going forward but despite a poor attacking display, they managed to keep their house steady. The defenders put in a solid shift keeping Hazard and company at bay. Led by their goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Allardyce’s men produced a gritty effort to come away with a very tasty point.
Here is how the Merseyside boys performed on the night.
Jordan Pickford: 9
He displayed an effort to put him on par with the best in the world tonight and single-handedly earned the Toffees their one point.
Jonjoe Kenny: 6.5
A gritty performance from the young gun, he followed orders well.
Michael Keane: 7
A good display on the night to keep Hazard out although he was outplayed by the Belgian on more than one occasion.
Phil Jagielka: 7
Led by example with his goalline clearances
Cuco Martina: 6
Has improved leaps and bounds with game time and looks a solid option at left back.
Idrissa Gueye: 6
Everton will be hoping his injury is not serious. Unlucky not to be involved as he was sorely missed once taken off with Chelsea stepping on the gas and no one to check them in midfield.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 5.5
A more productive performance than what is expected of him although consistency and accuracy in passing remain a matter of trouble.
Aaron Lennon: 4
Spent his time on the pitch chasing Alonso back.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6
Glimpses of great football mixed with a great period of average uncertainty; Everton expect way more from him.
Tom Davies: 5
An exciting player for the future, he needs more time to mature for the big games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 5.5
Always good at holding off balls for his team. He was isolated way too much on the night.
Ashley Williams: 6.5
Solid since he came on at halftime and helped steady the backline
Sandro: 5
A decent performance, given the fact that he had no one to link up with for most occasions.
Beni Baningime: 4
Looked shaky and never settled down in the game.
