Pranav Shahaney

Sat 12 August 2023 17:00, UK

Everton performed well but unfortunately ended up on the losing side with Fulham winning the game 1-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday, 12 August.

The Toffees looked threatening going forward but failed to convert their chances and conceded from the visitors’ first shot on target.

Sean Dyche will have been impressed by certain aspects but fuming at the fact that his side failed to make the most of their chances.

Here are our ratings for the game:

Jordan Pickford – 6

Could not be blamed for the goal as it was a good combination from the Fulham players and it was more to do with Everton being hit on the break. It was their first attempt on target as Pickford marshalled his back line well until then and he really could not do anything about it.

Nathan Patterson – 5

Came extremely close to scoring in the second half after Leno saved Iwobi’s effort and his shot hit the cross bar. Given the fact that the goalkeeper was on the floor, he should’ve placed it better. Apart from that, he did his overlapping duties well and combined well with James Garner.

Michael Keane – 5

A decent performance but not something worth writing home about. Was caught out of possession on a few occasions and Everton need to quickly find an upgrade on him this summer.

James Tarkowski – 5

Captaining the side, it wasn’t the worst of games for the Englishman, but an argument could be made that he was at fault for the concession of the goal. Rather than tracking his man close to the halfway line, he should’ve held his ground and that would probably have prevented the ball being played across the goal for a simple tap in. Barring that, there’s not much that he can be faulted for.

Ashley Young – 6

Started at left-back and did not look like a player who’s closer to 40 than he is to 30. It was a tireless display from the former Manchester United and Aston Villa player. He does not appear to have lost his crossing ability as he put in a number of teasing balls, one of which nearly reached Garner and had it did, it was destined for the back of the net.

James Garner – 7

Has become a vital utility option for Dyche as he can play in midfield, defence and now on the wing as well. He was tireless from the get go and put in a tremendous shift for the Toffees. He even won every ground duel he attempted and he’s making it hard to drop him at this rate.

Idrissa Gueye – 5

A decent display from the midfielder and it could be argued that he didn’t do enough to assert presence in the middle of the park. Had the Toffees been more dominant in that area, they perhaps would’ve got something from this game.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Missed a huge chance in the first half and will be rueing it at full-time. He’s not a goal scorer, despite leading the charts for the club last season, but would still not have been impressed by his effort there. Barring that, he looked an assured presence on the ball and was good at retaining possession whenever he had the ball at his feet.

Amadou Onana – 6

Usually known for his work on the defensive side of things, the Belgian was an important player on the ball for Everton. In the first half, particularly, he did not misplace a single pass – completing all 18. All these were not sideways either as he created two big chances as well. However, it wasn’t the same seamless performance in the second period as his passing became slightly more wayward.

Alex Iwobi – 8

Undoubtedly the best player in the first half as well as the second for the Toffees. He completed all three of his dribbles in the first 45 and each time he had the ball, the Fulham defenders appeared to retreat ever so slightly. Not starting Arnaut Danjuma would’ve raised eyebrows but he justified that decision. Even in the second period, the Nigerian proved to be lively and deserved a goal for his efforts.

Neal Maupay – 2

Missed two important chances in the first half and he cannot be the one leading the line for the Toffees. He was also caught offside on numerous occasions and this was a game to forget for him. Was eventually withdrawn in the 72nd minute after a dire performance.

Subs

Arnaut Danjuma – 5

Lewis Dobbin – 4

In exclusive Everton news, the Toffees now have to pay £21.4m to land a Brazilian player ahead of next season.