After facing disappointment at the hands of Watford and Burnley in their last two matches, Everton finally came back to winning ways against Brighton And Hove Albion. The Toffees scored two goals, courtesy an own goal from Gaetan Bong and a well-timed strike from Cenk Tosun, which saw them get past the Seagulls, making it only their 10th win in 30 matches so far this term.
What makes the win even more glorious and satisfactory is that it is the result of all the efforts put in by the Everton players. It looked like they were determined to change their ill fate, which saw them lose the last couple of games, and did so pretty clinically.
The Toffees took the lead in the 60th minute when Brighton defender Bong was not able to restrain a sudden lunge from Theo Walcott and put the ball in the net. Cenk Tosun, who scored in the last match as well, added to his tally in this match, netting the second for his side and literally putting it beyond the reach of the visitors.
Frustration looked to have got the better of the Brighton players as Anthony Knockaert received a red card with an ugly challenge on Leighton Baines, who made it to the first team after spending a few weeks on the sidelines with an injury. The challenge was absolutely unnecessary and got the right treatment from the referee, who did not take a more than a moment to flash the red card and send the experienced campaigner for an early shower.
The scoreline could so easily have been 3-0 but Wayne Rooney failed to convert from the spot and the Toffees were happy to win by 2-0.
Here are the player ratings for Everton on the night.
Jordan Pickford: 7/10
Kept himself composed and cool throughout the whole length of the match beneath the crossbars. Deservedly earned a clean sheet.
Seamus Coleman: 7/10
The Irishman was one of the most influential figures on the pitch and contributed well to the success of his side,
Michael Keane: 6/10
Looked in good knick throughout of match and was watchful of every movement of the opposition attackers.
Phil Jagielka: 7/10
One of his best performances in the Everton shirt. Kept the opposition players quite and kept his side of harm’s way.
Leighton Baines: 7/10
Played like the true champion he is. Came back after a spell on the sidelines with injury.
Tom Davies: 6/10
Gave it his all and kept the ball under his control. played a number of accurate passes.
Wayne Rooney: 8/10
Looked in ominous touch in his new role as a coordinator in the middle of the pitch. Played some wonderful passes. Should have scored the goal from the penalty but Mat Ryan pulled off a great save to deny the Englishman.
Theo Walcott: 7/10
Looked in good shape as his pace tormented the opposition defenders throughout the match.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6/10
A good performance nevertheless. However, he might have to work on his passing.
Yannick Bolasie: 7/10
Added an extra edge to the Everton attack and helped them to get the first goal via an error by Bong.
Cenk Tosun: 8/10
Looking like the Turk has started to find his foothold on English soil. Scored his second goal in succession and helped his side to a much-needed victory.
Substitutes
Dominic Calvert Lewin: 7/10
Played really well and helped his side get a penalty which Rooney could not convert from the spot.
