View: Ben Godfrey 4/10 shocker – Everton player ratings v Chelsea
Everton had an injury-ravaged squad to choose from this evening as they entertained Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Rafa Benitez handed starts to the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Jonjoe Kenny and Ellis Simms with not many options available.
The Toffees stayed strong for the entire evening though and managed to take home a brilliant point thanks to Branthwaite’s goal in the 1-1 draw.
And here, Goodison News has rated the players out of 10 in what was an uphill battle from the first whistle at Stamford Bridge.
Jordan Pickford – 8
To say he had an inexperienced side ahead of him, Pickford didn’t have mountains to do, as expected. The saves he did have to make, he did and he kept the Blues in the game at times.
Jonjoe Kenny – 6
The man brought in from the cold had a quiet evening, but when defending for most of the game, making the headlines isn’t usually a good thing. Didn’t offer enough going forward though.
Jarrard Branthwaite – 8
Solid. Branthwaite will not have been expecting to start such a huge game, but he certainly didn’t shy away. What a moment it was as he got his first Premier League goal – deserved.
Michael Keane – 7
Has a mistake in him, but for once looked assured when he and those around him needed it.
Mason Holgate – 6
Usually isn’t too far away from negative press, but Holgate did his job this evening in a weakened right-hand side at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Godfrey – 4
Shocker at times. It’s not really Godfrey’s fault with Benitez being forced to play him as a left-wing back, but the sooner that dilemma is sorted – the better. Reece James ran him ragged all evening and was caught out of position for the first goal.
Alex Iwobi – 5
Not much better from Iwobi. The Nigerian did run himself into the ground, but wasted numerous counter-attacking occasions – he could have played Doucoure through for a simple chance in the second half.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7
Back to his near best. The Frenchman was so powerful in the heart of midfield and never gave the likes of Jorginho a moment’s peace, he wasn’t afraid to get forward either.
Andre Gomes – 5
Non-existent. With Allan not fit enough to start and on the bench, Gomes came in and literally did nothing of note. Not being as powerful as the Brazilian, we needed his skill on the ball, but that never came.
Anthony Gordon – 9
Brilliant. The young England international was simply outstanding against the run of play and delivered a superb assist. Gordon got the ball and ran at his man all evening, releasing the defensive pressure numerous times – made a real call for more starts.
Ellis Simms – 5
A night he will never forget, making his Premier League debut. Simms hardly touched the ball, but he did press well before being replaced on the hour.
Substitutes:
Lewis Dobbin – 5
Jean-Phillipe Gbamin – 5
In other Everton news, Campbell was blown away by one Toffees man after what he did in the past month
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