4/10 Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggles – Everton half-time ratings v Crystal Palace
Everton went into half-time of their FA Cup 3rd round clash against Crystal Palace on 3 January level at 0-0, with chances for Arnaut Danjuma the story of the half.
Sean Dyche’s side were looking to bounce back from three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, and dominated the majority of the game without taking any chances
If they can be more clinical after the break, Everton should be able to make the most of their advantage with Palace struggling, but they will need to remain switched on to avoid a turnaround.
Ibrox News rated the first-half performances of each Everton player out of 10 below…
Joao Virginia – 6
Had very little to do in between the sticks as the Everton pressure stopped Palace from posing any real threat on the attack. His distribution was impressive as he helped to build from the back but did nothing of any real note.
Seamus Coleman – 6
His overlapping runs caused trouble for Jeffrey Schlupp tracking him, as he often found space out on the right-hand side. The movement is impressive but he struggled to capitalise on the space he made for himself.
James Tarkowski – 5
Looked uneasy whenever a Palace attacker ran at him – and clattered Matheus Franca giving away a dangerous free-kick opportunity that the Eagles failed to make the most of. Just a 73% pass accuracy showed how difficult he found it to deal with the pressure of the Palace forwards. [Sofascore]
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6
Was more impressive than his centre-back partner when faced by Palace’s attackers, but didn’t have too much to do. Didn’t put a foot wrong as he allowed Everton to build out from the back and remain steady when given anything to deal with by the Eagles.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Similar to his full-back partner, the overlapping runs caused Palace plenty of trouble, and his three crosses caused a number of issues for the defence. He won 100% of duels he competed in and made a key pass getting up and down the left wing. [Sofascore]
Amadou Onana – 8
Controlled the game from the middle in one of his most impressive first-half performances of the season. His 95% passing accuracy allowed him to run the game, with two of three long balls completed, a 100% aerial duel success rate and one foul drawn summing up how dominant he was. [Sofascore]
James Garner – 7
Alongside his midfield partner, Everton managed to dominate the majority of the ball in the middle of the park, with an impressive passing accuracy standing out. He also provided some attacking threat, popping up in between the Palace midfield and defence in an attempt to make something happen.
Jack Harrison – 6
Had little effect on the attacking phase of play but found space in midfield and allowed Everton to make progress up the pitch. His energy and pressing as always helped to keep the pressure on the Palace back line and midfield.
Dwight McNeil – 6
Failed to find the target with any of his crosses, but did pose a threat to Tyrick Mitchell, especially when doubled up with Coleman overlapping which allowed him more space to deliver. Didn’t have much impact, but looked like a threat.
Arnaut Danjuma – 8
Everton’s most dangerous player in the first half. It took a fantastic save from Dean Henderson in the Palace goal to prevent him from scoring the opening goal, but his two shots and four crosses provided a constant threat for the Toffees running at Palace’s defence. [Sofascore]
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4
Hardly touched the ball and was marshalled brilliantly by Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, despite his impressive aerial duel rate as he struggled to do anything with his headers.
Completed just two passes in the first 45 minutes and only touched the ball six times, showing how ineffective he was against the Palace back line at Selhurst Park. [Sofascore]
In other Everton news, David Ornstein shared a new transfer update today amid £135million reports.