2/10 Dominic Calvert-Lewin stinks out Goodison Park – Everton HT player ratings v Aston Villa
Everton headed into half-time at 0-0 in their Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Goodison Park live on Sky Sports on 14 January, with a disallowed goal from Alex Moreno the only goalmouth action.
Sean Dyche was looking to put an end to Everton’s five-game winless run but has suffered an early blow to those chances as Villa dominated the first half despite failing to find the net, while Everton missed chances of their own.
If the Toffees can be more clinical after the break and cut out the errors at the back, they still have a chance of getting back into the game, with chances there to be taken, but they need to be careful not to let Villa in.
Goodison News rated the first-half performances of each Everton player out of 10 below…
Jordan Pickford – 6
As he always is, Pickford was quick off his line and brave in his commitment throughout the first half to prevent Villa from causing any real concern to his goal. Made a fantastic save to deny Leon Bailey in Villa’s best chance of the first half.
Seamus Coleman – 7
On a record-breaking day for an undisputed legend at Goodison Park, Coleman’s experience and quality stood out again in the way he marshalled the back line. Taking charge of a potentially sticky moment as Pickford stormed off his line summed up what he offers to this team more than anything else.
James Tarkowski – 9
His usual stoic defensive presence was displayed yet again as he combined with his partner at the back to nullify any attacking hope Villa were building. Having Tarkowski at the back just provides a level of confidence knowing he will always be there to sweep up any errors.
The battle with Ollie Watkins was a talking point before the game, and it was Tarkowski who came out on top in that first half with a 100% duel success rate from two ground duels and five aerial duels. [Sofascore]
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7
Alongside Tarkowski he showed again why the pair are so important to Sean Dyche and his style of play, nullifying the attacking play for the most part which proved crucial in keeping Villa’s attacks to have minimal effect.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Much like his opposite full-back, he provided a strong presence in the deep block and did not let his winger past, although he was often prone to being dragged away from his position to deal with the ever-threatening Leon Bailey.
Amadou Onana – 5
Everton failed to get control of the game after a fast-paced opening stage as Villa were able to slow things down and dictate the game, keeping the ball away from both Onana and his midfield partners and stopping them from having much of a say on the pace of the game.
James Garner – 5
Failed to really get a hold of the game in midfield much like his partner in the middle, as Villa dominated the flow of the game for the majority of the half and did not allow the time or space to pick the passes he had previously shown he was capable of.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6
Was Everton’s most bright spark going forward with his usual mix of chaos and composure causing constant problems in between the Aston Villa midfield and defense. His presence in the side looked to have made a difference from the drab FA Cup draw but was not quite enough to inspire an attacking revolution.
Arnaut Danjuma – 3
Couldn’t get a hold of the ball going forward and was all too easily dealt with by the strong backline set up by Unai Emery. He touched the ball just seven times in the first half, completing three passes at a success rate of 60% and failing with all of his dribble attempts. [Sofascore]
Despite looking dangerous when he did get the ball, and creating an opportunity for Calvert-Lewin, his overall play was a letdown as he wasted too many potential opportunities going forward.
Jack Harrison – 4
As has been the case with Harrison on many occasions this season, his defensive effort and work rate was the more important side of his game with the Villa full-backs bombing forward, although his struggles attacking meant Everton were limited to very few chances.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 2
Once again, Everton’s leading man was frustrated and contained by the opposition defenders, not allowing him to have an influence on the game or make a difference to his side’s attacking play.
He was presented with by far the best chance of the game as he was played through on goal but his effort was easily saved by the feet of Emi Martinez when he really should have given the keeper no chance.
Just three completed passes at a 43% success rate, as well as struggling to win his duels and just 12 touches all game showed yet again how he failed to lead the line for his side. [Sofascore]
In other Everton news, a fresh Amadou Onana exit update has emerged at Goodison Park.