George Overhill

Sat 22 October 2022 16:55, UK

Everton blew Crystal Palace away with a 3-0 win at Goodison Park with a wonderful team display to put the consecutive losses out of mind.

A solid first-half performance from the Toffees saw them take a deserved lead into the break after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first of the season in the 11th minute, taking a wonderful touch past Marc Guehi to arrow one into the far corner.

The game exploded into life after the half as the visitors grew frustrated, but it was Anthony Gordon who doubled the lead mid-way through the half, tapping in after Vitalii Mykolenko’s shot was parried at the end of a flowing move, then substitute Dwight McNeil added a lovely third after combining with Alex Iwobi in a game where so many could have been man of the match.

Here, Goodison News rates the players out of 10 for their performances at Goodison Park.

Jordan Pickford – 6

Very little to do aide from general tidying up. Still got himself involved in winding up the likes of Wilfried Zaha.

Seamus Coleman – 7

Did what needed to be done in solid display. Reminded everyone of his capabilities with a wonderful tackle to deny Zaha early in the second half.

Conor Coady – 7

Looked back to the level from the unbeaten run. Some characteristically committed blocks as the defence held firm, throwing himself about and drawing fouls.

James Tarkowski – 8

Very impressive. Played like the ‘Dad’ that his teammates see him as with an authoritative performance. Big and strong in defence, and always in the centre of the flash points.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 8

A better, committed game after a few that have been below his early-season standards, getting tight to attackers and launching key blocks at shots. In the way of harm on a few occasions in the name of winning possession. Was up in support during a great move for Gordon’s goal, firing a dangerous shot towards the far corner which was parried.

Idrissa Gueye (off for Davies ’86- 7

Much more composed following a number of mistakes in recent weeks. Overshadowed by the teammates around him but quietly went about his business in a professional manner.

Amadou Onana (off for Garner ’78) – 8

Imperious in the centre of the park, after a strong second half at Newcastle. All over the pitch in a defensive capacity and helps linked together so many attacking moves, including for the second goal, where he found Mykolenko down the left for the original shot.

Alex Iwobi – 8

Excellent. Some very neat play in the build up to the opener to illustrate his importance in the attacking game. Absolutely delightful assist for McNeil’s late third. Really is crucial to this Everton side when he is on song.

Anthony Gordon (off for Doucoure ’86) – 8

Had been quiet compared to some of his attacking teammates but was there when it mattered to tap into an open goal for the second. Buoyed thereafter and looked more of the attacking star fans have come to expect.

Demarai Gray (off for McNeil ’72) – 7

Plenty of attacking intent and crucially combined well with his teammates in the build up to the Toffees’ second. Withdrawn shortly after picking up a booking for a mistimed challenge.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9 Man of the Match

Superb today and very encouraging for the future. Showed what Everton have been missing so often when he is unavailable or lacking sharpness, with a fantastic opener where he won the ball high up the pitch then finished the move with a superb touch past the defender and finish. Displayed a willingness to run in behind and to challenge for balls in the air, suggesting he is nearing full fitness.

SUBSTITUTES

Dwight McNeil (on for Gray ’72) – 7

Superb work for his goal. Picked up the ball and drove towards the goal, then finished off from Iwobi’s wonderful return. Exactly what fans want to see from him.

Neal Maupay (on for Calvert-Lewin ’78) N/A

James Garner (on for Onana ’78) – N/A

Tom Davies (on for Gueye ’86) – N/A

Abdoulaye Doucoure (on for Gordon ’86) – N/A