Everton were expecting a tricky test this evening against Aston Villa despite a flying start to their Premier League campaign under Rafael Benitez. The Villans have not been in the best of form so far but the Toffees’ key injury absentees handed them a boost before locking horns at Villa Park.
Despite a promising hour of football, the Merseysiders were left stunned by the hosts who fired in thrice in less than 10 minutes to suffer their first defeat of the season.
Below are the Everton players rated in their disappointing 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Asmir Begović: 5.5
Was handed a surprise start between the sticks in place of injured Jordan Pickford. Made a brilliant save in the early minutes to deny Tyrone Mings, however, three quicks goals from Aston Villa changed the scene midway through the second half. Could have done little to stop those strikes.
Ben Godfrey: 5
Did not offer much high up the pitch and was on his toes at the back against the likes of Leon Bailey and Danny Ings. Was taken off late in the match to be replaced by Jonjoe Kenny. The gaffer must opt for alternatives down the right in the absence of skipper Seamus Coleman.
Yerry Mina: 6.5
Dominated aerially, made some timely tackles, won a few duels, but lacked the accuracy while passing it out from deep defence. Should have shown more composure against set-pieces.
Michael Keane: 6
Missed a goal-scoring chance. Made some crucial interceptions but was often exposed by the home side who were pacy down the wide. Must improve his passing game in fast-paced fixtures.
Lucas Digne: 5.5
Headed Bailey’s corner into the back of his own net. Should not have allowed Matty Cash to dribble past him before breaking the deadlock with a stellar strike. Whipped in a few crosses with his overlapping runs but failed to leave any impact except for creating one decent opportunity.
Allan: 6
Tried to offer his physical presence in the middle of the park. Got outran and outpaced by Villa midfield, also looked clumsy while tackling. Was taken off for Anthony Gordon midway through the second half.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: 7
Worked tirelessly to make recoveries, kept on winning duels and made some crucial tackles to regain possession. Covered a lot of ground as he tried to carry the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas.
Alex Iwobi: 6
Did not offer much in terms of creativity or goal-scoring threat. Was on the pitch for his work ethic and some smart movements. Made way for Tom Davies late in the game.
Andros Townsend: 7.5
Looked purposeful with his runs and crosses from the right-hand flank. Created a few chances high up the pitch, also helped Godfrey defensively at times.
Demarai Gray: 6.5
Could not extend his exquisite run as his first-half strike from the left went off target. Hardly had an impact after the break as the Toffees were chasing the game against the spirited Claret and Blues.
Salomón Rondón: 6
Started in place of injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Did well occasionally to showcase his strength while holding the ball. Faded off eventually and was subbed off for Andre Gomes just over the hour mark.
Everton Substitutes Vs Aston Villa
Andre Gomes: 6
Everton conceded thrice before the Portuguese could settle down in the centre of the pitch.
Anthony Gordon: 5.5
Did not offer much in attack since replacing Allan.
Jonjoe Kenny: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Tom Davies: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating
