Everton hosted newly-promoted side Sheffield United at Goodison Park, and they failed to turn up as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.
The Toffees had plenty of possession throughout the game, but they failed to carve out many clear cut chances. Dean Henderson was reasonably comfortable throughout the game, and he only had to make two decent saves. One of those saves was from Digne in the first half and another from Moise Kean in the second.
The Blades went up in the 40th minute via an own goal from Yerry Mina. They got their second late on in the game on the counter as Lundstram picked out a delicious through ball to find Mousset who finished smartly. Everton had almost all their attacking player playing together in the last 20 minutes, but Sheffield United were hardly tested. A torturous watch if you were an Everton fan.
Here is how Silva’s men fared in their timid display.
Jordan Pickford 3
Could have come off his line for United’s second goal. Messed up even for the first goal as he mistimed his punch and the ball went in through Mina.
Yerry Mina 4.5
Scored the own goal which proved very decisive. Apart from that, he was strong and robust in his duels.
Michael Keane 5
Sheffield United never really tested him much. Did a decent job with the ball at his feet and dealt with whatever came his way.
Seamus Coleman 5
Made a few decent runs from the right and earned quite a few corners. However, his final delivery was lacking.
Lucas Digne 5.5
Took one decent attempt on goal. Put in some impressive crosses and looked threatening on occasions in the attacking third.
Morgan Schneiderlin 5
Did a decent job when he was on the pitch. Got substituted early as Silva brought in attacking options.
Fabian Delph 5.5
Always looked to demand the ball in deep areas and moved the ball well. Can’t be blamed much as he was often getting on the ball in deep areas.
Richarlison 5
The major blame for today’s loss needs to be taken by the attacking players. Richarlison tried hard but wasn’t able to do much in the final third. Everton looked disjointed in the attacking third, and the Brazilian was far from his A-game.
Bernard 4
Started well but was hardly visible as the game went on. The Blades were dealing with him far too easily.
Gylfi Sigurdsson 4
This was the kind of game where attacking and creative players needed to step up, and the Iceland international hardly created anything meaningful in the final third.
Moise Kean 5
Everton’s best chance fell for him, but he failed to convert as Henderson was quick to close down the angle for him. Made some smart movement but wasn’t able to get any clear cut opportunity.
Substitutes
Theo Walcott 4
Brought energy after he came on but nothing else in terms of quality on the ball.
Cenk Tosun 4.5
Won a few duels but couldn’t do much in the final third.
Alex Iwobi 4
Similar to most of the attacking players as he hardly made any impact.
