After what looked like a promising first half for both the sides, Everton took control of their 28th Premier League match against Cardiff City in the second half and came out victorious by 3-0. Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is fast turning into the talisman for the Merseyside club, scored two brilliant goals on either side of the half time break while Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the final goal. This win will be a massive boost for the Toffees ahead of their mega match against Liverpool next Sunday.
The Bluebirds, on the other hand, could not capitalise on a good start to the match as they faced their 17th loss of the season. Neil Warnock’s men might be well on their way to entering the relegation battle by the end of the season.
Here is how the Everton players are rated from their win against Cardiff City.
Jordan Pickford: 7
Had a rather quiet time in goal for the Toffees with most of the action happening on the other end. Made a few regulation saves.
Seamus Coleman: 7
Brilliant composure in the right-back position from the skipper as he made darting runs down the right flank on a number of occasions. His pinpoint pass on the end of one such sprint in the 41st minute was too good to miss for Sigurdsson as he brought up his first goal of the night.
Michael Keane: 6
Found himself on the backfoot against the physicality and pace of Kenneth Zohore on a few occasions. Delivered an overall decent performance on the night.
Phil Jagielka: 7
Calm and composed in the heart of the backline, the veteran Englishman made sure that nothing went past him on the night. His physical presence in the backline was also very intimidating.
Lucas Digne: 7
Another top-notch performance from the left back as he went forward with the ball on a number of occasions and put it in the danger areas with his accurate crossing and passing. Kept a watch on Nathaniel Mendes-Laing throughout the match.
Idrissa Gueye: 8
Vied for the ball in the middle of the pitch and won most of the battles. Initiated a couple of attacks from the midfield that ended in the back of the opposition net.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 6
A surprise inclusion in the first team, the Frenchman looked a bit puzzled in the first half and gave the ball away on a few occasions. Came back well in the second half and dished out a gritty performance.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 8
Star of the night with two brilliant strikes to win it for his side. Kept getting on the end of almost every cross dealt in by his teammates in the box. The former Swansea City man was an absolute menace for the Cardiff defence.
Theo Walcott: 5
A lacklustre performance from the Englishman except for one shot across the face of the goal in the first half.
Richarlison: 6
Looked a bit bogged down by the opposition defenders throughout the match but made a few good runs. Could not hide his frustration on being substituted.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7
His physicality made it difficult for the defenders to stop him. Put the final nail in the coffin for Cardiff City with a well-taken strike.
Substitutes
Bernard: 7
Kept deceiving the opposition defenders with his classy footwork. Should have started the match.
Ademola Lookman: 6
Looked agile throughout his limited stay on the pitch.
Andre Gomes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
