George Overhill

Sat 27 August 2022 17:01, UK

Everton lost two points late on at Brentford to draw 1-1 when they had held onto a lead through a combination of luck and determination for so long.

The Toffees rode their luck in the first half as the home side hit the post multiple times and Yoane Wissa blazed a rebound over, but Anthony Gordon put them ahead going into the break as he ran onto a Conor Coady long ball and produced a beautiful finish for his first of the season.

It was more of the same in the second half as the Toffees goal led a charmed life and Jordan Pickford was strong, while chances went begging at the other end, until Vitaly Janelt was left completely alone by Alex Iwobi and a number of others at the back post to tap in a corner that had been headed on.

Here, Goodison News rates the Everton players out of 10 for their performances in West London.

Jordan Pickford – 9 Man of the Match

Commanding, and had to be behind a defence that was all over the place at times and ultimately let him down. Shades of the crucial away win at Leicester at the end of last season as the England number one kept Brentford at bay with the assistance of his goal frame. Busy opening half and was saved by the posts more than once. Same story after the break. Booked needlessly late on. Fuming at his defence for the late equaliser.

Nathan Patterson – 6

Ran himself into the ground but got little chance to show what he can do going forward. Difficult game as part of an embattled defence on the day.

Mason Holgate – 5 (off for Keane ’68)

As often the most involved of the defenders but not always in a good way. Almost played his keeper into trouble early in the second half. Went off injured to add to the familiar defensive woes in that department.

Conor Coady – 6

Scrapped as part of an untidy backline. Did provide a nice assist when he saw Gordon on the run and picked him out with a perfectly weighted long ball which the youngster dispatched.

James Tarkowski – 7

Didn’t provide the composure at the back that might be expected but did get his head on numerous clearing headers as wave after wave of attacks rained in. Probably the pick of the defenders although that wasn’t saying much in the capital.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 6 (off for Vinagre ’86)

Far from his greatest Toffees game. Had just about all he could handle for most of the afternoon. Made a vital stretching tackle late on.

Amadou Onana – 8 (off for Davies ’78)

Strong performance. Starting to settle into his role in the middle, making some telling contributions, and suggesting he could soon be a crucial part of the XI every week. Started one second-half move with a crunching tackle in the midfield, and played Gray clean through with 15 minutes to go.

Alex Iwobi – 4

Usually so important but his late sloppiness in defence cost two points. His relentless engine would have been helpful to shut down some of the Brentford possession but was somewhat subdued from his energetic best. Completely switched off to allow Janelt peel off him and equalise in his most notable contribution.

Dwight McNeil – 5 (off for Rondon ’86)

Still not offering enough but still hasn’t featured for a single Premier League minute with a recognised centre-forward alongside him. Could argue he’s been unlucky in that regard but has to impose himself more.

Demarai Gray – 6

Got himself into a number of highly dangerous attacking situations but could not find any end product, after his crucial equaliser a week ago. Certainly looks more likely to be the difference than McNeil but wasn’t telling enough today.

Anthony Gordon – 8

Good game in difficult circumstances. Amid all the speculation over his future he was the most dangerous of the Everton attackers. Produced a lovely finish for the opener, running clear and sliding the ball into the far corner. Crashed into a Brentford coach on the sideline at one point, booked for a late foul as he showed no sign of giving up. Generally busy.

SUBSTITUTES

Michael Keane – 5 (on for Holgate ’68)

Tom Davies – N/A (on for Onana ’78)

Salomon Rondon – N/A (on for McNeil ’86)

Ruben Vinagre – N/A (on for Mykolenko ’86)