Premier League 2017-18 might not have had a fierce title challenge this term, but the relegation battle heats up every game-week as all the bottom half sides are fighting for their survival. Everton, the Merseyside Blues, travelled to Vicarage Road this evening to encounter Watford F.C. in a mid-table clash. The Toffees were eyeing a seventh-placed league finish whereas the Hornets were only three points clear to the drop zone ahead of the outing.
Sam Allardyce, the Everton manager, had an active winter transfer window and were confident of shaking off shambles and finish respectably in the league tally. The game, however, proved to be a massive disappointment for the Merseysiders when skipper Troy Deeney grabbed a late winner for the hosts and led his side to a comfort zone for the time being.
Everton Players Rated And Slated:
Jordan Pickford: 6
Was not forced to make any notable stops but proved to be erroneous at times while making clearances. He, however, could have done little to save Deeney’s powerful strike that proved to be the decider. The Englishman did well though in closing minutes by stopping Stefano Okaka’s thunderous strike to avoid further misery.
Jonjoe Kenny: 6.5
Marched forward to be more involved in the attack but was leaving space behind for Holebas to hit back on the counter.
Michael Keane: 6
Was not pretty convincing from the English international who lacked passing accuracy, missed duels frequently and struggled to deal with Deeney’s physicality.
Ashley Williams: 6
Made a couple of crucial interceptions and a few clearances but was often seemed to be off-paced and worn out towards the end and struggled against big man Deeney and Okaka inside the box.
Cuco Martina: 6.5
Mostly confined himself in defensive duties as he had a real contest against ex-Toffees Deulofeu who was impressive down the right-hand flank.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7
Although misplaced way too many passes, it wasn’t a high-quality game either but the Senegalese international was combative, won most of his tackles and was engaged in midfield duels to have the authority of the middle of the park.
Tom Davies: 5.5
The youngster has shown ample of promises since being promoted to the first-team. He, however, had a poor outing this evening as he did not have enough touches to run the midfield show as plenty of those were heavy and lacked composure.
Wayne Rooney: 5.5
Played in a free midfield role but could not carry the ball forward and make enough attacking contribution to open up opportunities. Was replaced by youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin minutes after Deeney’s goal.
Theo Walcott: 6
Made some ambitious runs down the right-hand flank but his decision making and poor final deliveries let him down and the winter arrival from Arsenal could not guide his side to earn something from such a tedious outing.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6
The club-record signing delivered another disappointing display and once again failed to make the impact from a wide role. It is high time for Allardyce to hand the Icelandic playmaker a more central role to dictate the game and construct the moves. Was replaced by Yannick Bolasie minutes after conceding.
Baye Oumar Niasse: 5
Had an hour of a quiet evening as he could not manage a single shot on or off the target before being replaced by Cenk Tosun.
Substitutes
Cenk Tosun: 5.5
Was slightly better than Niasse but he too lacked composure in front of goal and could not test Watford custodian Karnezis.
Yannick Bolasie: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
