Full Time: Atalanta 3-0 Everton
Everton’s UEFA Europa League campaign was off to a disastrous start, as they were handed a heavy 3-0 defeat by Italian Serie A side Atalanta, at the Mapei Stadium, on Thursday.
The Toffees were pegged back in the 27th minute, when Andrea Masiello slid home the ball from close, after Everton had failed to deal effectively with a corner-kick. Alejandro Gomez doubled Atalanta’s lead in the 41st minute with a stunning strike, before Bryan Cristante heaped further misery on Everton, adding the third goal, three minutes later. It could have been even worse for the visitors as Remo Freuler hit the post in the second period, but there were no more goals scored.
It was an evening to forget for Ronald Koeman and Everton. And given their heavy spending in the summer, questions will be raised over the poor results. Here’s how the Everton players fared in the game;
Everton Player Ratings
Maarten Stekelenburg – 6/10
Made a save to deny Masiello, but conceded immediately after. Made five saves in the game and the scoreline would have made for a worse reading if not for him.
Mason Holgate – 6/10
Got forward well at times and stayed strong at the back as well, although could have done better for Gomez’s goal. One of the better performers on the night for the Toffees.
Michael Keane – 5/10
Made a crucial block halfway through the first half. But couldn’t cope against the Italians thereon. Poor.
Phil Jagielka – 4/10
Returned to the line-up in place of Ashley Williams and looked rusty at the back. Nowhere to be seen for the third goal.
Leighton Baines – 6/10
Kept things tight and silent on his side, but was uncharacteristically dormant going forward from left-back.
Muhamed Besic – 4/10
Poor. Switched off for the opening goal, failed to track the runners all throughout the game.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 3/10
Lucky to escape booking early on in the game. Was culpable for the first goal and then lost possession leading to the third. Extremely woeful.
Nikola Vlasic – 5/10
Made his debut for the club, but couldn’t have any impact on the proceedings. Will see better days.
Wayne Rooney – 6/10
Came close to scoring with an audacious chip in the first period. Put in the hard yards defensively throughout the game, but couldn’t make a mark in attack.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 5/10
Had an early effort saved, but that was as good as it got for the club record signing. Booked after the break.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4/10
Offered next to nothing at the top of the line. Easily dealt with by the Atalanta defence, hold up play nowhere near the required levels.
Substitutes
Sandro Ramirez – 6/10
Replaced Schneiderlin in the 66th minute. Game was done and dusted by then, but did muster up a weak shot at goal.
Davy Klaassen – 6/10
Came on for Rooney in the 66th minute. Had a shot blocked.
Kevin Mirallas – NA
On for Calvert-Lewin with less than fifteen minutes left.