Everton finally managed to put an end to their rough patch by sealing a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham United at the Goodison Park.
The Toffees were in total control right from the start, notably finding an early opener through an incredible solo effort from Bernard inside the box. West Ham, in contrast, had to deal with the opposition pressure for the most part of the first half. And while they did put in an improved display in the second half, they simply failed to test Everton’s Jordan Pickford in goal.
However, the Hammers did well to push for a late equaliser before Gylfi Sigurdsson sealed all three points for the home side by doubling Everton’s lead during added time.
Here are the West Ham players rated in their disappointing defeat to Everton.
Roberto 6
West Ham clearly missed the presence of Lukasz Fabianski in goal as Roberto should have done a lot better in keeping out Bernardo’s opener. The Spaniard did make a couple of excellent saves, but it was, overall, a disappointing display in between the sticks.
Ryan Fredericks 6.5
Was dealt with the task of keeping out the unpredictable Bernardo. And the right-back deserves credit for minimising Everton’s influence from the right-hand side.
Issa Diop 7
Visibly struggled to keep up with Richarlison for most of the game. He was easily beaten on a couple of occasions. But, his dogged defensive nature was critical in making sure West Ham remain in the contest.
Angelo Ogbonna 6
Ogbonna should have done a lot better job in keeping track of the runs Everton attackers were making in behind the backline. However, his tight marking complemented the defensive work-rate of Diop very well.
Arthur Masuaku 5
Yet another underwhelming defensive display from the left-back, who was beaten all ends up by Bernardo for the opener. He needs to improve if he is to retain his place in the side, ahead of Aaron Cresswell.
Declan Rice 5.5
Was completely overwhelmed dealing with the Everton attackers as he lacked the necessary support from his teammates. As a result, the hosts found it easy to manipulate the middle of the pitch.
Pablo Fornals 5
The new signing is clearly a downgrade over Manuel Lanzini as far as creativity is concerned. The Spaniard often looked clueless in the final third and lacked support from Fredericks in the wide attacking role. But, that was understandable given the pressure exerted by the Everton attackers. Also spurned a good opportunity to score the equaliser.
Mark Noble 5
Should have done a much better job with his ball distribution as well as defensive contribution as the Toffees found it easy to dominate the midfield.
Manuel Lanzini 6
Certainly not among the worst performers on the pitch this afternoon. But, the Argentine just wasn’t involved in the game as much as he would have liked.
Felipe Anderson 5
Tried his best to provide a creative spark going forward by swiftly changing his positions time and time again. However, the Brazilian was tightly marked by the opposing defenders. As a result, West Ham struggled to create chances in the final third and test Pickford.
Sebastien Haller 6
A quiet game for the Frenchman, who tried to get involved in the game but often got isolated. Showed excellent commitment to involve himself in numerous aerial battles.
SUBSTITUTES
Andriy Yarmolenko 7
Replaced Anderson after the restart and made an immediate impact. His trickery and unpredictability on the flanks made him a bigger threat to Everton than his Brazilian counterpart.
Jack Wilshere 5.5
Failed to influence the game after replacing the equally ineffective Fornals in the 63rd minute of the game.
Albian Ajeti N/A
Replaced Noble during the final phase of the game as Manuel Pellegrini opted to add more attacking bodies in the final third. But, the Swiss lacked support.
