After three wins in a row against London clubs, it was Fulham who stopped Everton from notching up their fourth win in a row in the Premier League. The Cottagers looked in brilliant form in their own backyard as they took the Everton defence to the sword and won the match by a 2-0 scoreline. The gap could have been more significant but the hosts were unable to capitalise on the chances they created. However, this win should be a morale booster for them ahead of their relegation to the Championship.
Fulham started attacking from the very first start but somehow could not find the back of the net in the first half. In the second half, skipper Tom Cairney broke the deadlock and the hearts of the Everton fans with the first goal of the match in the 46th minute. Former Liverpool man Ryan Babel added to the scoreline with a cool finish over an advancing Jordan Pickford in the 69th minute to give his side a well deserved three points on the back of a disappointing display from the Toffees.
Here is how the Everton players were rated from their defeat against Fulham.
Jordan Pickford: 5
Was forced into action very early in the match and had to make several saves throughout as the onslaught continued from the hosts. Was to blame for the second goal as it was his faulty positioning that led to the goal.
Seamus Coleman: 5
Looked absolutely ineffective against Babel. Could not do anything to stop him from getting past him on several occasions or scoring the goal.
Phil Jagielka: 5.5
Was out of position on a number of occasions. Today’s performance was a far cry from what he showed against Arsenal in the last match.
Kurt Zouma: 6
Gave acres of space to Mitrovic to aim for the goal. Looked a little composed in the second half though.
Lucas Digne: 6
Looked good while on the attack. His backtracking, however, let him down.
Idrissa Gueye: 7
The only positive player for Everton on the pitch. Kept getting into tussles and tried to win them with all his physicality. Could have assisted a goal early in the match but was mostly busy doing his defensive duties in the midfield.
Andre Gomes: 5
Nothing worth mentioning from the Portuguese midfielder. Could hardly trouble Tom Cairney throughout the match.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6
Tried to get into space and create chances from the midfield in the first half. Lacked creativity and looked deserted in the second half.
Bernard: 4
Was nowhere near the ball throughout the match. Wayward with his shots and losing out to Tim Ream and Fosu-Mensah, it was a night to forget for the Brazilian.
Richarlison: 5
He is looking more and more frustrated as the season progresses. Apart from being completely ineffective in the attack, saw a yellow card for a needless foul. Needs to check his temper or else he could turn into Everton’s own Alfredo Morelos.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6.5
Showed a few glimpses of his brilliance but they were too far and few in between to help his side. Almost opened the scoring with a cheeky flick around Sergio Rico but was denied by the post.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman: 5
Nothing special from the young Englishman.
Cenk Tosun: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Theo Walcott: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
