Everton came back from two goals down to clinch the match by 3-2 against Watford in a thrilling game at the Goodison Park. The Toffees looked down and out at the 65th minute when the visitors were cruising with a 2 goal cushion. But the inspired changes made by caretaker manager David Unsworth turned things around as Everton lift themselves from the relegation spots. Goals from Niasse, Calvert-Lewin and penalty in the 91st minute by Baines, secured all three points. Luck favoured the hosts for their persistence and hard work as Watford missed a penalty in the 100th minute that could have levelled the scoreline. Here are the player ratings of Everton.
Everton Players Rated And Slated
Jordan Pickford (5):
A game of mixed qualities from the shot-stopper. Was exposed for Richarlison’s first and could do nothing about it. Made a horrible dash off his line to give the same player a wonderful opportunity. Was very sharp in the final moments of the game when the ball was flung into his box. Conceded a penalty late on that could have spoilt Everton’s night.
Jonjoe Kenny (7):
Was absolutely fantastic on the night. Made some crunch tackles and hardly put a foot wrong.
Phil Jagielka (5):
A disappointing performance from Everton’s captain. Was horribly misplaced by Gray. Should have dealt with the header that led to Watford’s second.
Michael Keane (5):
His indecision led to Watford’s goal just moments into the second half. A very costly error by the centre-back.
Leighton Baines (7):
Missed Everton’s biggest opportunity in the first half following Rooney’s cutback. But more than made up for the miss by supplying Calvert-Lewin’s goal from a corner and scoring the winner from the spot.
Beni Baningime (5):
Did not have a huge impact in the game. Was taken off in the 55th minute for Lookman.
Idrissa Gana Gueye (6):
Not his best game in an Everton shirt. Was solid at times but misplaced a lot of passes.
Tom Davies (4):
Possibly Everton’s least effective player surprisingly. His passing was way off the mark and went for the Hollywood attempt from 45 yards that was no way near the target.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (6):
Missed a glorious opportunity in the 53rd minute to level things up. His set-piece delivering was at his usual best but had no one to convert them.
Wayne Rooney (5):
Should have had an assist on the night that Baines could not convert. Tried a little too hard to make things happen and eventually was left frustrated.
Oumar Niasse (7):
Was an important factor and influence that sparked Everton’s comeback by pulling one back for the hosts. His pace and power caused a lot of problems for the Watford defenders.
Substitutes:
Ademola Lookman (8):
A brilliant move by Unsworth to bring the youngster on who was sparkling from the word go. Made the runs past defenders and made things happen for Everton. He was a man with confidence even though he has not featured much.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (7):
Again another substitute who turned things around and sparked the comeback. Rose highest to bury Baines’ corner to level things up. A wonderful performance off the bench.
Aaron Lenon (7):
Utilised his pace to great effect by running at the Watford defenders. Drew the foul in the box that ultimately led to Everton’s winner.
