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Everton player ratings v Luton Town: Calvert-Lewin impresses again as Young flops
Everton were unable to make it three wins from three matches as they were beaten 2-1 by Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday (30 September).
The Toffees’ wait for a first Premier League win at Goodison Park this season continues as goals from Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris ensured that the Hatters registered their first Premier League win in what was a very disappointing afternoon for Dyche’s side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin did manage to score his third goal in as many appearances but having looked as though they had turned a corner this season in their last two outings, the problems and pressure have reared their ugly head on the blue half of Merseyside once again as Everton lost a fourth straight home league fixture.
Goodison News has rated the players out of 10 below;
Jordan Pickford – 5
Didn’t make a save in the contest and couldn’t do much to prevent either of the two Luton goals as he faced an impressive 1.31 expected goals. Needed to be better on the ball as he was only accurate with 40 per cent of his long passes. A tough day for the Toffees’ keeper [Sofascore].
Ashley Young – 4
A disappointing afternoon for the veteran right-back, should have cleared quicker to prevent Lockyer’s opener but took too long on the ball and allowed the Luton defender to break the deadlock. As he has done in recent weeks struggled to be accurate with his crosses, despite having the huge frame of Calvert-Lewin to aim for in the area.
James Tarkowski – 6
Having been so good in the air against Thomas Frank’s Bees, the defender struggled against the presence of Morris and Luton’s long ball game. Tarkowski only managed to win half of his aerial duels and was beaten by the Luton striker in the build-up to Lockyer’s opener.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7
Continued his impressive start to the season despite the scoreline at Goodison Park, including one incredible tackle to deny Marvellous Nakamba a good chance. Did commit a few needless fouls in the contest but dominated most of his duels both on the ground and aerially. Was the best of the backline in Saturday’s clash and continues to go from strength to strength.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5
Like a lot of Everton players started the game well but was arguably at fault for the visitors’ second goal as he was guilty of ball-watching as Morris tapped home at the back post. Was better going forward than he was in defence creating one big chance with an excellent key pass.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 5
Battled in the middle of the park and went about his business sensibly before being substituted at half-time. Won all four of his ground duels during the game and won his only attempted tackle, but didn’t do enough on the ball from a deeper position than he normally occupies and wasted an excellent first-half chance.
Amadou Onana – 7
As he usually is, the midfielder was the engine room of most of the Toffees’ work both going forward and in defence. Battled well in the middle of the park in a similar style to Gueye. Everything Everton do goes through the Belgian midfielder as he completed the most passes of any player on the pitch and won the most duels.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6
Was withdrawn on the hour mark as Beto was introduced to make Dyche’s side more attacking. It was his shot that allowed Calvert-Lewin to half the deficit, but he did miss the initial good chance. Was once again creative for Everton as he registered three key passes. It was the sort of performance that we have begun to expect from the 30-year-old.
James Garner – 6
Will feel he should have scored in the first half after his header hit the crossbar from Dwight McNeil’s cross. Was constantly busy as Toffees fans have come to expect from the former Manchester United midfielder and arguably looked more comfortable when moved into the middle of the park rather than on the right in the first half.
Dwight McNeil – 6
Nearly broke the deadlock with an audacious volley in the opening three minutes only to see his effort drift wide. Made two key passes during the first half and completed the most dribbles of any player in the first period. The midfielder always carries an attacking threat with his incredible delivery and was one of the brighter players at Goodison.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
The striker’s excellent form in front of goal continues as he scored for the third successive game for the Toffees as he battled well against a physical Luton backline. He had to score when the chance fell to the forward and should have arguably found the net more than once. He will be crucial to any success at Goodison this year.
Subs:
Jack Harrison – 6
Came on at half-time for Gueye and operated from the right flank as Garner moved into the middle of the park. Attempted plenty of crosses but similarly to Young was unable to often find a blue shirt in the box. Some bright moments as he created a big chance, but wasn’t too involved.
Beto – 5
Found McNeil with a good pass when he came off the bench and battled against the Hatters’ backline with plenty of effort. Wasted several good chances as he found good positions, but it doesn’t ever seem like he is likely to score. Still plenty more to come from the new forward.
Nathan Patterson – 6
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Arnaut Danjuma – 6
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In other Everton news, the Toffees could face new takeover problems after one 777 Partners’ club suffered a transfer ban