Marco Silva’s Everton side secured a much-needed 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, against high-flying West Ham United. The Toffees came into the tie on the back of a disappointing four-game losing streak in the league, that stretched back to the middle of September. Even though the Hammers weren’t in the best of form either, Manuel Pellegrini would have been confident going into the tie.
Goals from Bernard and Gylfi Sigurdsson were enough to ensure that all 3 points stayed in Merseyside on the night. The Iceland international’s 90th-minute strike was a thing of beauty, as he skilfully evaded a challenge before placing the ball into the top corner.
Let’s take a look at how each Everton player performed over the course of what was an enthralling tie against the Hammers.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Wasn’t really troubled over the 90 minutes but looked rather comfortable whenever he was called into action. Overall distribution was good from the English first-choice keeper.
Djibril Sidibé – 7
The full-back showcased his attacking qualities on more than one occasion today but wasn’t really troubled by the Hammers’ attackers. His defensive positioning was on point, and he made some excellent overlapping runs too.
Michael Keane – 6
The Englishman was defensively assured whenever the West Ham attackers ran at him with pace. He was able to maintain composure with his deft passing and playing out from the back on multiple occasions.
Yerry Mina – 7
Given the right training, Mina has the potential to develop into one of the best defenders in the world. The Colombian proved that again with his belter of a display in the heart of the defence.
Lucas Digne – 6
The Frenchman had a tough time dealing with the waves of West Ham attacks in the first half. Things got a lot easier for him in the second period once the Everton midfield started to take control of the game.
Andre Gomes – 7
The former Barcelona man displayed his sheer quality yet again today with a masterful showing. He controlled the pace of the game for large spells and ensured that they never took the foot off the gas.
Ben Davies – 5
The youngster didn’t have one of his best outings on the night. Unable to influence the tie too much, he seemed to be running around aimlessly at times. He did play a couple of good passes in the first-half though.
Bernard – 8
The Brazilian was on cue to score the Toffees’ opener in the 17th minute. Even after this, the diminutive Brazilian put himself about and helped maintain possession for long spells as well.
Alex Iwobi – 8
The former Arsenal man had what was probably his best night in an Everton shirt so far. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he showed his pace and trickery on multiple occasions. Missed an easy chance to score in the 2nd half.
Theo Walcott – 9
Another player who used to ply his trade at the Emirates Stadium, Walcott, like Iwobi, put up a special display for the Toffees. He set up the first goal for Bernard and was a constant nuisance to the West Ham defence.
Richarlison – 7
The Brazilian prodigy was unable to come into the tie quite as much as his teammates did but still put up a fighting display. He could benefit with a little more composure in the final third, especially when on the ball.
Substitutes
Moise Kean (86’) – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (87’) – 7
Scored a special goal to secure the win in stoppage time.
Mason Holgate (90’) – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
