Saikat Mandal

Tue 30 August 2022 21:54, UK

Everton are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after they managed a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Tuesday (30 August) at Elland Road.

The Toffees were superb in the first half and deservedly got the goal through Anthony Gordon, who has now scored in back-to-back games.

In the second half, Luis Sinisterra restored parity for the home side. It was a thrilling contest, and Everton could have grabbed a winner had they been more clinical.

Here, Goodison News has rated the players out of 10 for their performances against Leeds:

Jordan Pickford – 8

The Everton goalkeeper was not properly tested in the first half, as he made some routine saves only. He did well to frustrate Leeds with his time-wasting tactics, and got involved in a collision with Rodrigo. The Spaniard left the ground with a shoulder injury. In the second half, Pickford made a terrific save to deny Aaronson. Moments later, he made a good save to deny Harrison from close range. However, he couldn’t keep out a long range effort from Sinisterra and should have done really better. However, he made a brilliant save to deny Gelhardt.

Nathan Patterson – 8

He made one terrific block towards the end of the first half and prevented a dangerous attack. He was lively in the first half and was solid at the back. It wasn’t an easy task to keep the likes of Harrison and Sinisterra quiet throughout the game, but the former Rangers man did with great aplomb. He should have scored after being fed by Gordon with a delightful pass.

James Tarkowski – 6

A leader at the back, the former Burnley showed his class throughout the game. He made quick interceptions and blocks and made sure that the Toffees stay focused after taking the lead. He made a poor mistake, and nearly had let the team down, but Pickford bailed him out.

Conor Coady – 7

He was more solid of the two. Brilliant with his defending, and solid in positioning, Coady was a true leader at the back. He was seen barking order to both the full-backs, urging everyone to get it tight.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 5

In comparison to Patterson, the other full-back was not at his best but he was solid at the back and made some good clearances. Created a brilliant opening after an excellent interchange of passes with Gordon, but the Toffees needed more from him.

Amadou Onana – 8

His energy has made a big difference for Everton. Still in his early days at the club, and he made a few mistakes, but his presence in midfield has allowed players like Davies, McNeil and Gordon to express themselves. Everton were crying out for a solid defensive midfielder, and they have found one. The more he gets used to Lampard’s system, the better he will get. Nearly got a goal, only to be denied from point blank range.

Tom Davies – 3

Picked up a silly yellow card for trying to be too smart. It’s hard to understand why he tried to kick Illan Meslier when he had the ball in his gloves. He must remember that his future is on the line, considering his contract situation, and he should be putting a lot of effort to gain the trust of his manager. However, there was very little evidence on Tuesday night. Mostly played out safe passes, and the drive from him was missing.

Alex Iwobi – 6

His progress under Frank Lampard has been a real success story. Along with work rate and energy, he showed brilliant vision and presence of mind to find Gordon in the box, leading to the goal. In the second half, he carried on with his brilliant work rate and did a fantastic job throughout the game.

Dwight McNeil – 5

The summer signing has struggled so far to make an impact, and we saw that again from him against Leeds. Without a target man, and a striker to feed pass to, he looked really lost in the middle. He was at the receiving end of a poor tackle from Diego Llorente. Tried his luck from a long distance, but it was way off target. He needs to improve quickly as we all know what he’s capable of.

Demarai Gray – 5

Gray had a relatively quiet game compared to the standards he has set for himself. Gordon found him with a brilliant through ball, and he finished it off well, but it was rightly called offside. Considering that he is one of the players Frank Lampard is relying heavily on, especially in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it was a below-par performance from him.

Anthony Gordon – 9 (Man of the match)

The youngster made everyone proud. Irrespective of what happens to him next, whether he stays or goes, he has shown great professionalism and quality. His movements were superb and the finish was really exquisite. Every time he got the ball, he tried to something happen. He was direct with his runs, and nearly got an assist as well, but Gray’s effort was ruled offside. Picked out Patterson with a superb pass, but the young full-back could only hit the goalkeeper from close range.