It was a goal-fest at Goodison Park as Everton won their first home game of the season by 5-2 against West Bromwich Albion. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the first hat-trick of his career while James Rodriguez, who was in brilliant form this afternoon, clinched the first goal of his Everton career. They were joined by Michael Keane on the scoresheet to make it a dominating performance and a much-needed win for the Toffees, the second one in a row.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men started to push from the opening minute of the match. However, West Brom were the ones to draw first blood via Grady Diangana who got the ball into the bottom corner with a thumping shot in the 10th minute of the match. The Toffees responded well in the 31st minute via Calvert-Lewin, who flicked the ball over the line from close range. Though the goal was adjudged offside, it stood after VAR check.
James Rodriguez, who dished out several balls on a platter for his teammates to feast upon, was the second to go on the scoresheet for the Toffees. His long-range shot in the 45th minute found the back of the net as he opened his account for the Merseyside club in a delightful manner. The Colombian midfielder got into a rift with West Brom’s Kieran Gibbs that led to the latter putting a hand in the face of James and getting sent off. West Brom manager Slaven Bilic was also sent off for confronting the referee furiously during the half time for the legitimate red card.
The visitors came back into the game with a brilliant free-kick from Matheus Pereira, but it was short-lived as Michael Keane scored from a rebound off Richarlison’s header. It was all Everton from then on as Calvert-Lewin found the back of the net for his second in the 62nd minute off Richarlison’s assist. The Englishman clinched the first hat-trick for the Toffees since the legendary Wayne Rooney three years ago against West Ham United as he headed home from close range off an inch-perfect corner from James in the 66th minute, contributing to a resounding victory for the Merseyside club.
Here is how the Everton players were rated from their win against West Brom.
Jordan Pickford 6
Conceded two goals but none of them was due to his fault. Will be happy to end up on the winning side after a dominating performance from the Toffees.
Seamus Coleman 6.5
Made some good runs into the opposition half but looked a little caught-up while defending, allowing Diangana space to take shots on the goal.
Yerry Mina 5.5
Looked good on occasions but it was a disappointing afternoon for the Colombian as he allowed the opposition players acres of space right outside the box. Should have done much better to prevent Diangana from scoring the opening goal of the match.
Michael Keane 8
Unlike his partner, the Englishman looked in absolutely brilliant form while defending as he made a number of crucial tackles. Besides, he also scored a crucial goal to bring his side back in the lead.
Lucas Digne 7
The Frenchman, as always, looked sharp with his passing and crossing as he delivered several good balls into the box. Looked solid defensively as well.
Allan 7
Another good performance from the Brazilian as he controlled the ball well in the middle of the pitch. Made some good interceptions to break the opposition attack down as well.
Andre Gomes 6.5
Linked up well with the forwards and initiated some good attacks from the midfield throughout the match.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 6
Looked a little on the back foot against the West Brom attackers in the opening half an hour, but then settled down well to play a crucial role in his side’s victory.
James Rodriguez 10
The Colombian showed today why he is considered as one of the best attacking midfielders in the whole of Europe. His vision was brilliant, and his passes were pinpoint throughout the match. The goal he scored from outside the box with a thumping left-footed shot proved why Ancelotti was stressing so much to get his hands on the former Real Madrid man. A perfect ten for the maestro.
Richarlison 8
His quick runs into the box along with his pace were too much to handle for the opposition defenders. Should have had his name on the scoresheet but his effort was disallowed as he was found marginally offside in the second half.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 9
The Englishman is showing signs of being the next Everton great as he scored a hat-trick for the Toffees to lead his team to victory. His composure in front of the goal was on point as he found the back of the net, putting his height and physicality to good use.
Substitutes
Gylfi Sigurdsson 6
Looked in good touch and delivered some delightful passes and crosses for his teammates.
Alex Iwobi 5
Nothing significant from the Nigerian in his limited time on the pitch after he came on.
Moise Kean 5
Looked sharp after he came on for James but could not get a goal for his liking.
