Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jack Harrison in 3/10 stinkers, Jarrad Branthwaite shines with 8/10 – Everton player ratings v Fulham
Everton suffered a quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Fulham in the EFL Cup at Goodison Park on Tuesday (19 December).
Fulham took the lead inside 41 minutes when defender Michael Keane inadvertently turned an Antonee Robinson cross into his own net.
Everton went in search of a crucial equaliser but took till eight minutes from normal time to grab the crucial leveller when substitute Beto headed in after some defensive lapses from Fulham.
The game went to a penalty shoot-out for which Fulham secured their place in the EFL Cup semi-final after a 7-6 shootout win which saw Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye miss their spot-kicks.
Here is how Goodison News rated the performance of each Everton player in the game, using data from SofaScore.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Rarely had much to do all game until the pivotal moment of the Fulham opener but could not do anything about Keane inadvertently turning an Antonee Robinson cross into his own net.
Made a terrific save from Alex Iwobi midway through the second half and was terribly close to saving a few of Fulham’s penalties but it wasn’t enough.
Nathan Patterson – 7
Ran his socks off all game for Everton as the Scottish youngster showcased why fans love his energy and aggression at Goodison Park. Registered one key pass, won four of his seven duels and completed four crosses in an eventful display.
Michael Keane – 5
Came back into the Everton XI to devastating effect against his former club Burnley at the weekend but did not have the same influence this time around as he was guilty of some comical defending evidenced by his unfortunate own goal before half-time.
Lost 100% of his ground duel attempts but won seven of his eight aerial duels but will be massively disappointed with Fulham’s opener.
James Tarkowski – 7
Has arguably been Everton’s most consistent performer in recent weeks and is certainly in the form of his career after four successive clean sheets but can count himself unfortunate at the way in which the Fulham opener was conceded.
Kept going as he always does and led from the back with great authority. Won 66 per cent of his aerial duels, registered four clearances and won two interceptions.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 8
Played an unfamiliar role at left-back after returning from suspension but the young Englishman simply did not look out of place as he made two crucial interceptions when a Fulham player looked clear on goal.
Also performed like an adept attacking wide-back going the other end and could well have found himself on the scoresheet ghosting at the back post for a header. Tremendous showing in an unfamiliar position, won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, 80 per cent, registered three clearances and kept Harry Wilson quiet all evening. MOTM.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 6
Eventful showing from the Everton veteran as he kept things ticking over in possession as well providing the security for the Toffees defending.
Done his job pretty well, winning five duels, registering two key passes and completing 100% of his dribble attempts. However, he will want to forget his penalty miss which cost Everton a place in the semis.
Amadou Onana – 6
Kept things nicely tidy in midfield alongside Gueye winning eight of his twelve duels and completing over 80 per cent of his passes and registering one key pass. No wonder why Dyche was desperate to get him back in the team after a brief injury absence.
Missed a poorly taken penalty to completely ruin his impressive display.
James Garner – 6
Becoming a real fan favourite after his displays in recent weeks and he certainly kept it up on Tuesday with another resurgent showing in midfield.
Jack Harrison – 3
Nowhere to be seen in the first half for Everton as the Leeds United loanee was absolutely anonymous while his wing partner Dwight McNeil conjured up chances at the other end.
Went close just after half-time with a rasping shot but that was about it from Harrison. Woeful.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 3
Like Harrison, Calvert-Lewin was rather anonymous for his team as he failed to conjure up any sort of influence for Everton apart from his pas for McNeil’s chance in the first half. Much of that was down to the lack of service available to him but failed to make things work for himself. Deservedly chalked off after 60 minutes.
With Beto waiting in the wings, it surely won’t be long until Dyche axes the Englishmen permanently after several abject displays in recent weeks. Won just one of his seven aerial duels and two of his ground duels whilst also losing 100% of his three dribble attempts.
Dwight McNeil – 6
Was the best of Everton’s attackers to start the match and had a glaring chance to put Everton ahead in the first half but put his shot well over the top of the bar. Delivered his usual telling crosses and contributed heavily in defence, winning five of his eight duels.
Substitutions
Beto (on for Calvert-Lewin 60′) – 7
Arnaut Danjuma (on for Jack Harrison 72′) – 6
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand has suggested a Toffees regular would be ideal for Manchester United.