Everton had a promising 2016-17 Premier League campaign when new boss Ronald Koeman guided them to a seventh-placed league finish that earned them a place in UEFA Europa League competition. Despite losing out their key forward Romelu Lukaku to league counterparts Manchester United, the Toffees made a hefty spending in summer where the Dutch boss reconstructed his side with several exciting signings.
But the Merseysiders have failed to live up to the expectations so far, both in Europe and Premier League and were placed 17th in the league jointly with their Saturday afternoon opponents Brighton & Hove Albion – the newly promoted outfit who welcomed Everton at Falmer Stadium.
The game, however, proved to be an exciting encounter but ended all square between Brighton and Everton following two late goals shared by each. Below are the Everton players rated from their draw against the Seagulls.
Jordan Pickford: 7
The young English custodian pulled off a couple of fine stops towards the end, especially substitute Izzy Brown’s late strike that kept Everton in the game. Could have done little to defend Anthony Knockaert’s thumping strike from close range.
Mason Holgate: 6.5
Holgate was enjoying going forward and tested the Brighton custodian Mathew Ryan with a powerful strike. But the youngster was leaving space behind at times and must concentrate on his defensive responsibilities.
Michael Keane: 8
The English international made some vital blocks, clearances, and interceptions which kept his side in the game. He was certainly Everton’s best performer this afternoon.
Phil Jagielka: 7
Jagielka looked off-paced at times but made some crucial clearances, won a few duels and impressed with his passing.
Leighton Baines: 6.5
Baines was good going forward, whipped in a few crosses but should have concentrated more on defensive duties. Was replaced by Kevin Mirallas seconds after Everton conceded late in the game.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6
Misplaced the ball dangerously once and barring a few down the middle runs, Gueye had an average display in midfield and was replaced by Ouman Niasse in the second half.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 6.5
Schneiderlin was dispossessed once but was decent otherwise with his passing, tackling and intercepting skills.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7
The youngster looked promising but could have done better in front of goal. He, however, had his impact in the game as Bruno’s foul on him inside the box earned his side a late spot-kick which was calmly converted by Wayne Rooney.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 5
Sigurdsson had a quiet afternoon as neither his crosses nor his free-kicks troubled the hosts. Lost duels, lacked accuracy in passing as well.
Nikola Vlasic: 6.5
The youngster showed his impressive dribbling skills, linked up beautifully upfront and played some crucial passes. Everton got a bright prospect who only needs to work on his final delivery and decision making.
Wayne Rooney: 6.5
Rooney worked hard but never looked threatening in front of goal. His experience, however, earned his side a point from the game when he slotted a late spot-kick to equalize. Was replaced by youngster Tom Davies after scoring.
Substitutes
Oumar Niasse: 5
His heroics against Bournemouth has earned him opportunities once more. He was brought in today in place of Gueye to find a winner. But the striker disappointed as he skied one opportunity he got.
Kevin Mirallas: 6.5
Mirallas brought in seconds after Brighton’s goal and earned a free-kick which eventually resulted in a spot-kick from which the Toffees equalized. He got the opportunity to score a late winner but was denied twice sensationally by Ryan from close range.
Tom Davies: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
