Final Score: Everton 3-1 Crystal Palace
Two goals in a space of four minutes followed by a late goal from teenager Tom Davies helped Everton get back to winning ways after they were embarrassed by Arsenal last week. The 3-1 victory came, thanks to second-half goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Oumar Niasse, before Milivojevic dispatched a spot kick to bag a consolatory goal for Crystal Palace. The match took time to settle, as a lot of misplaced passes and clearances happened early on.
Unfortunately for the spectators, the first half ended that way. However, the home side reacted in style after the break and after that, they outclassed the Eagles, allowing them no space down the flanks, and taking their midfielders to the cleaners. Although they had some chances from Van Aanholt and Townsend, Pickford made sure he was always equal to it.
Everton Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford: 7.5/10
Decent collection but a couple of saves from Sorloth’s shots were the highlights of his performance. Pickford kept out almost everything else apart from the penalty.
Seamus Coleman: 7/10
Very composed on the ball, be it while surging forward or during the defensive duties. Nothing to complain about.
Michael Keane: 8/10
One major contribution of his was the dominance in aerial battles. He cleared over four dangerous balls and applied good strength.
Eliaquim Mangala: 4/10
Too sloppy, slow and casual with his passing early on. He let Sorloth get past him with ease and wasn’t good even while sticking back.
Cuco Martina: 7/10
Produced two-three fantastic balls into the box, showed superb strength to create Niasse’s goal and guarded his side extremely well.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7.5/10
Energetic and lively, as usual. Gueye took on players, allowed minimum penetration and was a neat passer. He won quite a few interceptions.
Wayne Rooney: 7.5/10
Started off the game slowly, took too much time on the ball and halted the process of the attack. But in the second half, his vision was back and the former Manchester United legend bossed the midfield, outplaying both Milivojevic and Cabaye.
Theo Walcott: 9/10
Walcott displayed remarkable balance, touch, dribbling, pace and drive. He completed over three dribbles and looked very dangerous when he ran into the spaces with the ball.
Tom Davies: 8.5/10
Got his well-deserved goal and was a daunting presence in the box. Wasn’t hesitant to tackle or charge forward.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 8/10
Decent passing and link up play. Otherwise, his corners weren’t up to the mark as his deliveries were too close to the near post. A fine deflected finish ended up in the bottom corner.
Oumar Niasse: 9/10
Never seemed to give up, kept working harder by the minute. His finish was well taken, calm and collected. Also, Niasse kept hold of the ball well, threw his body to win it back and put up a tireless performance.
Substitutes
Ashley Williams: 7/10
Decent positioning in the box and used his physicality to good effect and tidied up.
Jonjoe Kenny: 7.5/10
Apart from one situation where he was outmuscled by Benteke, Kenny blocked crosses and won aerial duels.
Morgan Schneiderlin: N/A
No major contribution. Just came on to seal the game safely.