Everton player ratings in 2-1 defeat v Wolves
Everton lost 2-1 to Wolves at Molineux on Monday night as the Blues made it three successive Premier League defeats.
Max Kilman opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Raul Jimenez doubled the home side’s lead four minutes later.
Alex Iwobi pulled a goal back midway through the second half but the West Midlands side held out to condemn the Blues to another loss.
Here, Goodison News has rated the players out of 10 for their performances at Molineux.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Great save early on from a well-struck Ruben Neves shot. Not an awful lot he could have done for either Wolves goal.
Seamus Coleman – 5
Poor display from the captain, and his stoppage-time antics helped no one but Wolves as the seconds ticked away.
Michael Keane – 5
An assist for the centre-back, somehow, but nothing could mask his ineptitude in the centre of the Blues backline. Can find himself fortunate that Yerry Mina remains injured as options are limited in defence, particularly with Ben Godfrey forced to deputise for Lucas Digne at left-back tonight.
Mason Holgate – 4
Lucky to escape a booking early on, and he was fortunate to get away with another later on as he brought down Trincao on the edge of the box. His first Premier League appearance since August 28 was not one to savour.
Ben Godfrey – 4
Shocking pass back to Holgate for the second goal. Forced into an unfamiliar left-back position, the England international looked uncomfortable throughout, and that was against a Wolves side who could afford to leave Adama Traore on the bench.
Allan – 5
Not the worst player on the pitch, but that’s not saying much. His midfield partners tonight were Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph…the Brazilian was always up against it.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin – 4
A shaky start with a misplaced pass in the first few minutes, the Ivory Coast international didn’t fare much better for the remainder of the first half on his first Premier League start of the season. A ‘four’ rating may even be kind for the midfielder who was hauled off at half-time, but this was only the fourth Premier League appearance of his career, and his first minutes since August 24.
Andros Townsend – 5
Jamie Carragher was critical of his role in Kilman’s opener, and the 30-year-old didn’t fare much better going the other way. Filled in as an auxiliary central midfielder as Benitez tried to shore things up.
Alex Iwobi – 6
Took his goal well, which raises his rating slightly. But can Benitez justify starting him ahead of Anthony Gordon? The fact that the Nigeria international was still substituted 10 minutes after his goal sums up how effective he really was during the game.
Demarai Gray – 5
Feeding on scraps in the first half, Gray had to capitalise on anything he was given. However, bearing down on Jose Sa’s goal in the 37th-minute, he sent a shot horribly wide. Seemed frightened to take the Wolves defenders on. No goal in his last six games now, after three in his first five games.
Richarlison – 6
Made attempts to stretch the Wolves backline but his teammates failed to find him with any regularity. Should have been given the ball much earlier with Everton players often hesitant in possession.
Substitutes
Fabian Delph – 6
Actually shored up the midfield somewhat, which wasn’t difficult. A decent showing, but nothing to get excited about. Abdoulaye Doucoure can’t come back quicker.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Should have started. Saw a header from a corner hit the target.
Salomon Rondon – N/A
In other Everton news, this injured Blues ace is set for an extended absence after a behind-the-scenes order.
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