Dominic Calvert-Lewin disappoints with 4/10, Amadou Onana dazzles in 9/10 showing – Everton player ratings v Burnley
Everton maintained their superb run of form in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday (16 December).
Amadou Onana headed Everton into a 19th-minute lead and Michael Keane, restored to the line-up, added a second six minutes later.
The visitors dropped off in the second period, but they had no trouble in seeing through a fourth straight victory, each of those without conceding.
Here is how Goodison News rated the performance of each Everton player in the game, using data from WhoScored and SofaScore.
Jordan Pickford – 7
The England number one is keeping clean sheets galore at the moment, which has been down to some good performances of his own and great defending from those in front of him. Pickford made a couple of saves here, including a fine one-handed stop to keep out Zeki Amdouni.
Nathan Patterson – 7
Had a great battle with Wilson Odobert down his flank. Won five of his eight ground duels and, while he did lose possession 14 times, he did provide an out-ball for his side.
Ben Godfrey – 8
Brought in for a first league start of the season – and just a second appearance – and more than stood up to the test. Produced one of the finest interventions you will see anywhere this season to deny Amdouni a simple tap-in.
Michael Keane – 9
A clean sheet and a goal. What more could you want from a defender, especially one appearing for just a second time since September? His seven clearances was at least three more than any other player on the field.
James Tarkowski – 7
He was caught out for the attacking move that saw Godfrey stick out a boot to deny Amdouni, but was otherwise very solid in the heart of defence. Also played a part in his side’s second goal as he helped the ball on before Keane scored at the second attempt.
Dwight McNeil – 8
Used as a left-wing back in another sign of his versatility. Biggest praise you can give McNeil is he kept Burnley’s attackers relatively quiet, while also getting forward to put in a game-high eight crosses. Very nicely done from the impressive wide player.
Jack Harrison – 7
Did not manage to register a goal, assist or so much as a shot, but he did prove to be a threat intermittently. Loves to put in a shift, which Sean Dyche clearly loves.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7 (off for Lewis Dobbin 46′)
Made plenty of driving runs in the first half to get Everton on the front foot. Perhaps telling that the Toffees were unable to replicate that in the second half after he left the field injured at the interval.
Amadou Onana – 9
Kept things ticking along very nicely in midfield, boasting a game-high pass-completion rate of 86.7 per cent. Not only did he do that, he also showed great determination to power home the opener for Everton – his first league goal of the campaign.
James Garner – 7
Not quite as dominant in the middle of the park as Onana in terms of touches and passes completed, but he is a different type of player and helped turn defence into attack, highlighted by his shot on target and one big chance created.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4 (off for Beto 91′)
Everton continue to win without Calvert-Lewin scoring or assisting – it is now six games without a direct goal involvement – yet Sean Dyche will not be massively concerned. A very quiet DCL managed just one attempt against Burnley – brilliantly saved from James Trafford – and won just one of his eight aerial duels, which is not like him.
Substitutions
Lewis Dobbin (on for Abdoulaye Doucoure 46′) – 5
Not afraid to get involved, despite his young age, but no magic moment like against Chelsea last weekend.
Beto (on for Dominic Calvert-Lewin 91′) – N/A
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand has suggested a Toffees regular would be ideal for Manchester United.