Everton player ratings v Crystal Palace: Jarrad Branthwaite stinks out Selhurst Park, Vitaliy Mykolenko stars
Everton continued their impressive Premier League form with a thrilling 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday (11 November).
Vitaliy Mykolenko scored for the second successive match to give Everton the lead inside a minute at Selhurst Park.
Jarrad Branthwaite gave away a penalty that Eberechi Eze converted four minutes later, but Abdoulaye Doucoure restored the visitors’ lead early in the second half.
Odsonne Edouard looked to have rescued a point for Palace, only for substitute Idrissa Gueye to fire home a late winner for Sean Dyche’s men.
Here, Goodison News rates the Everton players out of 10 for their performances against Crystal Palace.
Jordan Pickford – 5
Was wrong-footed by Eze for the penalty and was unable to keep out Edouard’s attempt, but not exactly at fault for either and will instead be questioning the actions of his defenders.
Ashley Young – 5 (Off for Nathan Patterson ’90)
Got forward well down the right and put six crosses in the opposition box before being subbed off in the final minute – only Dwight McNeil (seven) registered more [WhoScored] – but too many of them missed their intended target and he was also caught out more than once defensively.
James Tarkowski – 3
The experienced defender misjudged a header over the top for Palace’s second equaliser, with Edouard pouncing on the mistake and beating Pickford. Tarkowski was otherwise solid, but one lapse in concentration almost cost his side.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 2
Some may feel the early penalty decision was harsh, but the bottom line is that Branthwaite stuck out a leg and that allowed Eze to go to ground. Having been a fitness doubt ahead of the game, the youngster did not really settle all afternoon in a very rare off-day.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 8
Who predicted Mykolenko would become a goalscoring force for Everton? That is now two in two for the full-back, who found an early opener with a header and later hit the post in the build-up to Doucoure’s goal. Could have done better defensively, though.
Jack Harrison – 7
Played a crucial part in that Mykolenko opener with his delivery from the right. Was a real threat in the first half, but the momentum soon swung in Palace’s favour and he could no longer have such an influence in the game.
James Garner – 6
No Everton player completed more dribbles (two) than Garner [WhoScored] as he tried to take control of the game for the Toffees. Was involved in the thick of the action and felt he should have had a penalty, while also going close with a shot.
Amadou Onana – 4 (Off for Idrissa Gueye ’46)
Was a fitness doubt ahead of this game and that told as he struggled with the frenetic pace of the match, especially in the opening quarter of the contest. Been a real force in the side in recent weeks, but Gueye is surely now pushing for a recall.
Dwight McNeil – 5
A constant menace out wide, as he always is, and got in a couple of efforts, but he is still awaiting his first goal of the campaign. Just two of his seven crosses found a team-mate [Sofascore] in a so-so display from the winger.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7
Doucoure pounced to convert after Mykolenko’s effort hit the frame of the goal. Showed good reactions there and made his presence felt in midfield throughout, despite suffering from illness in the week.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4 (Off for Beto ’77)
Could not get involved in the game prior to being subbed after 77 minutes in what was an off-day for the forward. Did not register a single attempt on target and won only four of his 15 aerial duels [Sofascore].
Substitutes
Idrissa Gueye (On for Amadou Onana 46′) – 8
Was far more effective that Onana during his 45 minutes on the field as created one key chance [WhoScored] and scored the all-important winning goal, while also registering a passing accuracy of 88.3% that only two others could better.
Beto (On for Dominic Calvert-Lewin 77′) – 5
Made a real menace of himself in the final 15 minutes or so in South London, but ultimately failed to find the target from his only attempt when it arrived.
Nathan Patterson (On for Ashley Young 90′) – N/A
In other Everton news, Kevin Thelwell has shared the reasons behind the Toffees turning down the chance to sign an experienced player in the summer transfer window.