Everton player ratings v Leicester City – Jordan Pickford adds more heroics, Yerry Mina mayhem
Everton climbed out of the relegation zone with a crucial 2-1 victory at Leicester City, for a second crucial win in a row.
Despite a shaky look to the opening couple of minutes it was the Toffees who went ahead through Vitalii Mykolenko’s sixth-minute wondergoal, on the volley from the edge of the area.
They should have been two up soon after, but Abdoulaye Doucoure’s effort was turned onto the post by Kasper Schmeichel who launched a break that led to Patson Daka’s leveller at the other end.
It was a mix-up between Yerry Mina and Seamus Coleman that saw the former head the ball into the Zambian forward’s path, but the latter restored the Everton lead before half time, and the players held out for the second period thanks to more wonders in goal from Jordan Pickford.
Here Goodison News rates the players out of 10 for their performances against Leicester.
Jordan Pickford – (9)
Outstanding display once again. Followed up his Goodison heroics to beat Chelsea with more fantastic saves to keep the increasingly dangerous-looking Leicester attackers out. Was left with little opportunity by his teammates for the one goal he did concede, but prevented at least two others that looked destined for the back of the net. If this team stays up, he is why.
Seamus Coleman – (6)
Quiet display relatively speaking, with his primary involvement of the first half being when he attempted to head away a ball Mina was struggling with and was knocked to the ground by the big Colombian in the build up to the goal, but did enough to keep the home side at bay through increasing second-half pressure. Led his side well enough to keep the fight going until the final whistle.
Mason Holgate – (6)
At the centre of everything, for better and worse. Spent the opening exchanges getting in mix ups with his centre-back partner. Then put the Toffees back ahead, turning in the rebound from Richarlison’s header, before further confusion in defence between him and Keane. Improved for rearguard action after the break.
Yerry Mina – off for Keane ’18 (4)
Insane display in less than 20 minutes. Showed how crucial he is almost immediately to slide in and block a second-minute shot on the line. Then undid it all in a mix-up with Coleman to play Daka in for the equaliser. An almost identical collision between the two Toffees defenders followed immediately, before his fitness issues re-appeared yet again to see him replaced.
Vitalii Mykolenko – off for Kenny ’66 (7)
Hugely telling contribution. Scored the goal of his life to put the Toffees up early, volleying in from the edge of the area for his first in the Premier League. Was substituted mid-way through the second half after some committed defensive interventions led to another injury for this blighted side.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – (6)
Went within inches of doubling the lead only seconds before the hosts equalised, knocking the ball goal-wards before a combination of Kasper Schmeichel and the post kept him out. Wasn’t enough of a shield for his defence, but was okay going forward.
Fabian Delph – (5)
Uneven display. Showed some nice composure on the ball and won a few tackles, but the midfield was too easily bypassed as frequent early chances rained down.
Alex Iwobi – (5)
Played a lovely lofted cross to find Mykolenko for the spectacular opener and was a solid outlet in the second half with the game stretched. Didn’t offer enough defensive protection as the midfield struggled at times.
Damarai Gray – off for Rondon ’66 (7)
Did his job on the return to his former home stadium. His corner led to the second Toffees goal. Made some rapid bursts forward as Leicester were forced to chase the game later on. A role in a goal, and decent work in pursuit of another showed what he is worth to the side.
Anthony Gordon – (7)
Very good. Risked a red card in an early clash with Johnny Evans, and looked to be the main practitioner of the new combative style under Lampard. Strong direct running after the break panicked Leicester on a number of occasions. Helped create a number of chances and took frequent fouls in a crucial counter-attacking display.
Richarlison – (8)
Key again. Grew into the game and was a belligerent and threatening presence for the hosts to deal with throughout the second half. His free header led to Holgate’s equaliser when Schmeichel was only able to parry it back into danger. Drew so many fouls to relieve second-half pressure and had the home side worried whenever he was on the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Michael Keane – on for Mina ’18 (7)
Much improved on recent form. Despite some early confusion with the erratic Holgate he looked comparatively assured and helped maintain a crucial lead. Won numerous headers.
Jonjoe Kenny – on for Mykolenko ’66 (6)
Salomon Rondon – on for Gray ’74 (-)
In other Everton news, one player was slammed as “awful” for his display in the first half.
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