Everton’s bid to push for European qualification began on a hugely morale-boosting note as they shrugged off Stoke City at the Goodison. However, their line of tough fixtures lurked just around the corner and the first huge trouble was Manchester City.
Everton adopted a 5-3-2 and a flexible 5-4-1 as the game wore on and they drew first blood through Wayne Rooney but succumbed to City’s pressure as Sterling equalised late on. In the end, Koeman would have been content with a draw and here’s how his boys have been rated after a decent draw:-
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6.5/10
Top class distribution and alertness along with agility. He’s going to be a great keeper!
RWB: Mason Holgate – 6/10
Had to deal with some strong waves of City’s attack but the youngster coped well.
CB: Michael Keane – 6.5/10
Looks a great addition already and does his job very tidily with a degree of calmness.
CB: Ashley Williams – 6/10
He was solid and his no-nonsense approach was really needed. Was subbed off later in the second half due to a tactical decision.
CB: Phil Jagielka – 6.5/10
He reacted quite fast today and stood firm when City attacked. His experience is vital to the defence and today was a good display.
LWB: Leighton Baines – 6/10
Suffered as Sterling came on in the second half and was rapidly moved around but he showed some really good timing with his tackles in some instances of the match and obviously, his experience too matters from the left.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin – 5.5/10
Got sent-off after a challenge on Aguero even though he got the ball. It seemed to be a harsh decision. He was not really up to his usual standards and didn’t make a huge impact though defensively.
CM: Idrissa Gueye – 6.5/10
Another tireless display with some immaculate positioning at times.
CAM: Tom Davies – 6/10
Couldn’t do much about the balls he received but he probed and pressurized with intent. He was substituted in the second half as well.
FW: Wayne Rooney – 7/10
Got into a good position to take advantage and score. Tried throughout the game to run the proceedings and take the game away from City. His end-product has to improve a little but his intelligence is an added bonus.
FW: Calvert Lewin – 6/10
Played a part in Rooney’s goal otherwise he was limited to chasing the ball around. Good tactical idea to play him but execution can be improved.
Substitutions:-
CM: Davy Klaassen – ( On for Tom Davies ) – 6/10
His last-ditch effort, in the end, was vital to prevent Silva from scoring and his work-rate looks strong.
CM: Gylfi Sigurdsson – ( On for Ashley Williams ) – 3/10
Couldn’t influence the game at all.
