Humiliation against a youthful Liverpool side had to be the wake-up call for Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton following their early exit from the Emirates FA Cup. They had to turn things around to avoid fans’ outrage and therefore, were feeling the heat ahead of this afternoon’s encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion. The fixture at Goodison Park proved to be a contested one, but the Toffees grabbed an edgy win banking on Richarlison’s first-half strike.
Below are the Everton players rated in their nervy 1-0 win against Brighton.
Jordan Pickford: 7
Made a couple of crucial saves but was fortunate too when Leandro Trossard’s effort hit the woodwork early in the second half. Ensured a much-needed clean-sheet when the Seagulls were pushing for an equaliser.
Djibril Sidibe: 6.5
Was influential down the right flank with his overlapping runs and frequent crosses. Looked nervy at the back though, particularly against Trossard as the Frenchman often struggled to cover the ground he left behind while advancing forward.
Michael Keane: 7.5
Had a couple of decent goal-scoring opportunities but made his presence known at the back with a towering display. Had a few nervy occasions late in the game but managed to shield Pickford successfully right until the final whistle.
Mason Holgate: 7.5
The youngster kept his place in deep defence and showed why the gaffer is preferring him over the other senior individuals. Was in the right place at the right time and dealt with the pressure to ensure the result.
Lucas Digne: 8
Made an impact with his runs using the width of the pitch as he set it up perfectly for Richarlison while breaking the deadlock. His crosses were menacing, also kept on linking up with Bernard from the left flank. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Yerry Mina.
Theo Walcott: 6.5
Tested Matt Ryan once and was lively with his moves from the wide. Got dispossessed a few times though and often lacked the end product before being taken off to be replaced by Seamus Coleman midway through the second half.
Tom Davies: 6.5
Lost possession once which could have troubled the Toffees severely. Failed with his dribbling attempts on a couple of occasions. However, the youngster was industrious and composed in the middle of the park.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 7.5
Featured a little deeper in the centre of the pitch. Kept on orchestrating the show with his timely releases and passes across the pitch. Worked hard to recover possession and deliver a steady display wearing the armband.
Bernard: 7
Was effective from the wide with his dribbles, cut insides, crosses and smart one-twos. Kept Martin Montoya on his toes and received plaudits while making way for Fabian Delph midway through the second half.
Richarlison: 8.5
Proved to be the difference between these two sides as the Brazilian showed great composure to receive Digne’s cross and find the net beating both Shane Duffy and Adam Webster. Had a few more chances which he failed to capitalise upon.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6
Missed a few golden opportunities and saw his late strike denied by VAR due to handball. Has been the man in-form but failed to continue his scoring run.
Everton Substitutes
Fabian Delph: 6.5
Used his experience of operating from the deep and protecting the scoreline to secure a win.
Seamus Coleman: 6.5
Used his experience to edge out the win.
Yerry Mina: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
