Everton, though a great football club, have been in Liverpool’s shadow for decades and their latest outcomes against the Merseyside rivals, particularly at Anfield, were not much of optimism either. Despite a disastrous inception, the Toffees have found back their rhythm to some extent under new boss Sam Allardyce who clinched a dramatic draw at Anfield last month in the league.
Tonight’s FA Cup third round outing, however, was another big test ahead for the Toffees who were thought to follow a similar deep-defensive strategy and at least earn a rematch at Goodison Park to have better odds of beating their age-old rivals. Liverpool were in dubiety regarding Philippe Coutinho’s future, and the visitors were eyeing to utilize a lack of concentration and erroneous display from the hosts.
The game, however, proved to be a late heartbreak for the visitors who surrendered in front of the Kops when new boy Virgil Van Dijk scored a late winner to hand them a 2-1 defeat and denied them a Goodison Park replay.
Below are the Everton players rated from their disappointing defeat against Liverpool.
Jordan Pickford: 5.5
Conceded in the first-half from James Milner’s spot-kick but should have done a lot better with his outing to deny Van Dijk’s header that sealed a win for the hosts.
Jonjoe Kenny: 7
The youngster impressed once again with his solid defending as he didn’t allow Sadio Mane to explore the right-hand flank much. Was decent going forward and whipped in a couple of stunning crosses.
Mason Holgate: 6.5
Was unlucky to concede a spot-kick for grabbing Adam Lallana inside the box but delivered a strong display otherwise with tackles, interceptions, and clearances. The youngster holds a bright future but must keep his head cool in coming days.
Phil Jagielka: 7
Played like a true leader with his positioning and movements. Did extremely well to push forward on the counter and assisted Gylfi Sigurdsson for his equalizer.
Cuco Martina: 5.5
Never created enough threat in attack, mostly concentrated on his defensive duties. Struggled against Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pace and one-twos with Joe Gomez.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 6
Was combative, protected the defence and didn’t allow Liverpool to build the game in the middle of the park. The Frenchman is redefining himself under Sam Allardyce.
James McCarthy: 6.5
McCarthy was keeping the Reds midfielders busy and not allowing them to hold the ball for long. He was throwing tackles and challenges and eventually booked for his combative display. Was replaced by Tom Davies in closing minutes.
Wayne Rooney: 5.5
Rooney was enthusiastic but got an early booking that didn’t allow him to play his natural game until being taken off early in the second-half. Was replaced by Ademola Lookman.
Yannick Bolasie: 5.5
Played his part in Everton’s equalizer as the counter move initiated from him. He was pretty average otherwise and was well-contained by the Reds left-back Andrew Robertson.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6.5
Scored the equalizer, but the Icelandic international was quiet throughout the game and failed to impress with his set-pieces tonight as well.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 5
Was getting into right positions but could not create enough trouble in Liverpool defence and was taken off in the closing minutes to be replaced by Oumar Niasse.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman: 7
The youngster looked promising and played his part in Everton’s equalizer. Created some chances down the left-hand flank which, unfortunately, had no conclusion.
Oumar Niasse: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Tom Davies: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
