Everton had a dismal 2020-21 season despite a blistering start under Carlo Ancelotti. However, the latter’s exit led to the controversial appointment of Rafael Benitez as the Goodison Park chief. A new beginning did not have the best of start when Southampton grabbed a first-half lead. But the Toffees looked a transformed outfit after the break as they turned things around swiftly to register a 3-1 win.
Below are the Everton players rated in their comeback win against Southampton.
Jordan Pickford: 7.5
Could have done little to stop Adam Armstrong’s goal but was spot on late in the first half when he denied the ‘number 9’ with a decent save.
Seamus Coleman: 7.5
Was not always accurate with his long balls, but the skipper balanced his game between attack and defence. Mistimed a couple of tackles, but the experience he holds helped him winning duels down the right-hand flank.
Mason Holgate: 6.5
Needs to do better while playing it out from the back. Improved his game with time after a nervy start in the heart of the backline.
Michael Keane: 5.5
Made an error that led to Armstrong’s opener. Was not impressive with his passing game, also lacked the pace at times against Che Adams in and around the defensive third.
Lucas Digne: 7
Kept on making overlapping runs and combining with the likes of Richarlison and Demarai Gray. Whipped in an array of crosses to cause meance in the Saints’ defence. Tracked back to make recoveries down the left.
Allan: 6
Had an effort on target denied by James McCarthy. Was rusty with his tackles, conceded fouls, also got dispossessed a couple of times. Not his best game as a double pivot.
Abdoulaye Doucouré: 8.5
His outrageous finish accomplished the comeback late in the match. Dominated the midfield game and his work rate inspired the Toffees to keep control under pressure time and again.
Demarai Gray: 6.5
A fresh start for the promising attacker after a torrid spell at Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen. Tried to be creative high up the pitch with his footwork and swift skillset. Made way for Yerry Mina late in the game.
Andros Townsend: 7.5
Set it up for Richarlison’s equalizer, thus, registering an assist on his Everton debut. Kept on causing problems from the right-hand flank. Was withdrawn to be replaced by Alex Iwobi with 20 minutes remaining.
Richarlison: 9
Had no vacation after guiding Brazil towards an Olympic Gold. But his game had no lethargy or tiredness as he not only scored once but also laid it on for Calvert-Lewin to seal all three points in the closing minutes of the contest. Made way for Anthony Gordon moments before the final whistle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 8
Found the net late in the game with a classic diving header. Did not have much involvement otherwise but got the job done exhibiting his poaching traits. Had a few efforts off target and was denied once by McCarthy minutes after Richarlison’s equalizer.
Everton Substitutes Vs Southampton
Alex Iwobi: 7
Assisted Doucoure beofre his astonishing strike.
Yerry Mina: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Anthony Gordon: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
