Everton: 3/10 Jordan Pickford stinks, 8/10 Dwight McNeil shines – Player ratings v West Ham
Everton fought hard to a frustrating 3-1 defeat to West Ham at Goodison Park on 2 March, with goals from Kurt Zouma, Thomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez proving the difference.
The two sides went into half-time level at 0-0, after Beto had the opportunity to put Sean Dyche’s men ahead from the spot and saw his effort saved by Alphonse Areola.
The Portuguese striker finally found the net to put his side ahead before a header from Zouma drew West Ham level and an outstanding display from the Hammers’ goalkeeper kept the scoreline level.
Late goals from Soucek and Alvarez won it for the visitors as Everton looked to pile men forward in search of a last-gasp equaliser.
Everton struggle for goals yet again at Goodison Park v West Ham
Goodison News has rated the Everton players out of 10 below…
Jordan Pickford – 3
The goalkeeper wasn’t called upon often at all during the game, making just two saves, but failed to have an impact when he was, conceding three goals which will be a huge source of frustration for him.
Ben Godfrey – 4
Tasked with dealing with the dynamic West Ham attackers, Godfrey struggled to make much impact on the game in a solid if unremarkable display from the right-back.
James Tarkowski – 7
Solid as ever, the captain put in another solid defensive display and he cleared anything that got near him in typically no-nonsense fashion, although with three goals conceded, it will still be a day to forget.
Five clearances, three tackles, one interception and one block showed how often he was called upon. [Sofascore]
Jarrad Branthwaite – 5
Wasn’t as involved as his centre-back partner and he also didn’t look particularly assured on the ball, with just a 77 per cent passing accuracy, and won just 33 per cent of his duels, struggling at the back.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 3
The presence of Mohamed Kudus meant he wasn’t able to get up the pitch anywhere near as much as he has shown in recent weeks, as he struggled to deal with the talented winger who has been the standout for the Hammers this season.
Dribbled past twice, making just one tackle and giving the ball away 15 times, it was a sloppy performance as he struggled to make a positive difference.
James Garner – 7
For once at Goodison Park, Everton had the majority of the possession, which played into Garner’s hands. With an assist, an 88 per cent passing accuracy, including three key passes and two big chances created, he was allowed to be more settled in possession for a very impressive display. [Sofascore]
Amadou Onana – 7
His creativity was allowed to shine as he looked to create chances for the forwards, while he was able to deal with the physicality of the Hammers’ midfield using his frame which so often allows him to bully his opponents.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5
Failed to provide the type of support for the striker he has shown previously this season, and struggled with his duels, winning just one of a combined nine attempts while giving the ball away ten times and committing three fouls.
However, with two key passes, he did play a part in the result.
Jack Harrison – 5
Harrison’s dynamism and energy on the wing have been sorely missed when he hasn’t played, but his end product still leaves fans wanting as he failed to find a teammate with any of his nine crosses, losing the ball 21 times. [Sofascore]
Dwight McNeil – 8
McNeil was the main source of chances for Dyche’s side, delivering five crosses as well as creating one big chance from his four key passes, although he also missed one big chance himself.
On another day he’d have had at least one goal contribution, but it was a good display all around as he continued to provide consistent displays for the Toffees.
Beto – 6
A terrible first-half display from the striker saw him miss key opportunities for the Toffees, including a golden opportunity from the penalty spot before half-time.
However, shortly after the break, he scored the opening goal of the game at a time when Everton fans would have been questioning whether one of their strikers would ever score again.
Subs
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Andre Gomes – 6
Youssef Chermiti – N/A
Lewis Dobbin – N/A
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche was spot-on with his pre-match decision.
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