Everton claimed a thumping 4-0 win against Manchester City at the Goodison Park on Sunday in the Premier League to leave the Citizens’ title hopes in shambles.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession during the first half but lacked the clinical edge in attack. However, Everton were excellent throughout, pressing their opponents and looked to hit them on the break each time and came close plenty of times, before Romelu Lukaku scored his 12th Premier League goal of the season for the hosts during the opening 45 minutes to make it 1-0.
And just over a minute from the restart, Everton doubled their advantage as Kevin Mirallas hit into the bottom corner after Lukaku did well to create the chance. Teenage midfielder Tom Davies, who had a brilliant game, scored his first senior goal for the Toffees in the 79th minute to make it three, before new signing Ademola Lookman came on from the bench to add a fourth on his debut.
With the win, Everton moved four points clear of West Bromwich Albion in the seventh position in the table. Here we assess how each player fared on the evening:
Joel Robles – 7
Was slightly fortunate not to give away a penalty early in the first half after he appeared to impede Raheem Sterling. However, made an excellent stop to deny David Silva from another one on one situation. Did not have a lot to do, but was solid when called upon.
Seamus Coleman – 7
Defended excellently throughout and his penetrating movement on the right-hand side posed plenty of questions for the City defence. However, his crossing left a little to be desired at times.
Mason Holgate – 6
While he made some excellent blocks and crucial interceptions, playing on the right-side of the three-man defence, Holgate had some nervy moments. Gave away a free-kick in a dangerous position and was rightly shown a yellow.
Ashley Williams – 8
Commanding display by the Welshman as he did not give an inch to Sergio Aguero. Marshalled the defence really well and did not put a foot wrong throughout the match.
Ramiro Funes Mori – 7
Impressive defensively as he thwarted many opportunities for the visitors. However, his overzealousness to carry the ball forward left plenty of spaces at the back and Everton almost paid the price for it.
Leighton Baines – 7
Typical strong performance from the left-back as has become the norm. Wasn’t tested a great deal defensively, but was present whenever needed. Got forward well on occasions too.
Tom Davies – 9
BRILLIANT. The youngster dominated in the midfield from the start till the end as he went about pressing the City players rampantly, passing the ball intelligently. Capped off the excellent night with a wonderful chipped effort for Everton’s third.
Gareth Barry – 7
Shielded his defence admirably against his former side. His composure and intelligence in the midfield was the key for Everton.
Ross Barkley – 8
Had a mixed first half but blossomed after the restart as he got himself into dangerous positions on a more frequent basis. Did well to set up Mirallas’ goal with an outside-foot pass.
Kevin Mirallas – 8
The Belgian was a constant thorn for the City backline on the break. Set up the opener with a sublime assist, before getting himself on the scoresheet with a thumping effort. Was taken off slightly after the hour mark.
Romelu Lukaku – 8
Held up the ball excellently and bullied the City defence when needed. Was involved in almost everything dangerous that Everton conjured up. Scored the first goal of the match after racing past Otamendi, before helping set up the second one in the second period.
Substitutes
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
Made his debut for the Toffees having moved from Manchester United earlier this week as he came on to replace Mirallas in the 63rd minute. Strong and resolute in the middle of the park.
James McCarthy – 7
Replaced Gareth Barry in the 72nd minute and put in a determined display in the midfield to help his team see out the game.
Ademola Lookman – 7
The youngster, another January signing, came on for Barkley with less than a minute of normal time left to be played. Made immediate impact, scoring Everton’s fourth goal of the game. Dream debut.