Calvert-Lewin MOTM in 9/10, O’Brien flops – Everton player ratings v Tottenham
Everton earned their first win since David Moyes’ return after a 3-2 triumph against Tottenham.
The Blues got off to a great start as Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave his side the lead after just 13 minutes before Iliman Ndiaye and an Archie Gray own goal meant the Toffees were 3-0 up at half-time at Goodison Park on Sunday (19 January).
It was a nervous few final minutes after Spurs found their way back into the game in the second half, which saw the game finish 3-2 but the Blues were able to see it out and come away with three points.
Goodison News have rated each player’s performance out of 10.
Everton beat Tottenham 3-2
Jordan Pickford – 5
The goalkeeper didn’t have too much to do throughout the afternoon with shots from Tottenham limited. While he was solid when called upon for the most part, his choice to come out of his goal in the 77th minute gave Spurs the space they needed in the middle to score.
Jake O’Brien (off for Michael Keane ,87′) – 4
Moyes handed Jake O’Brien a place in the starting line-up as the defender had the opportunity to show Blues supporters what he’s about. Unfortunately, he struggled to have too much impact in the game and didn’t make any tackles but he was solid enough and will be hoping to build upon this.
James Tarkowski – 8
This was exactly the type of performance you want to see from James Tarkowski who has proved before that he can be a big player for the Toffees. Defensively he was on his game with some strong challenges to stop Spurs attacking. However, he showed his use at the other end of the pitch too and delivered the header into the middle of the goal that Gray put in his own net to make it 3-0.
Solid display from Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7
Jarrad Branthwaite proved to be a solid player yet again as he won 100% of his tackles and made a number of clearances when called upon. However, the entirety of the defence will be thinking they should have done better for the Tottenham goal.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Similarly to his counterparts, it wasn’t the busiest of afternoons for the defender meaning a lack of chances to impress. However, he was solid when questions were asked of him which is what the Blues needed.
Orel Mangala – 6
Orel Mangala had some of the ball throughout the afternoon and was generally good. However, the 26-year-old only had a limited number of touches throughout the game making it hard to praise him too much.
Idrissa Gueye – 8
Gueye proved his quality for the Toffees against Tottenham as he provided the assist for both the first and second goal showing his ability to assist his side’s attacking efforts. The experienced player will now be hoping to build off this going forward.
Jesper Lindstrom (off for Ashley Young, 69′) – 8
A very solid performance from Lindstrom today before he was substituted off after 69 minutes. The 24-year-old contributed nine defensive actions throughout the afternoon and made the highest number of tackles in the game.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5
The 32-year-old wasn’t the most impressive on the afternoon as he didn’t have too many touches of the ball and also lost the majority of his duels in any defensive work.
Everton’s attackers shine
Iliman Ndiaye (off for Nathan Patterson, 80′) – 8
The 24-year-old was in terrific form against Tottenham and you could see how much he was enjoying being out there playing some more attacking football in a winning side. He was responsible for scoring the second goal where he showed his strength in the build-up before producing a lovely finish.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9
Given how poor the striker has been this term, you wouldn’t have known based on his performance against Tottenham. His goal gave his side the lead and was taken very well which is not what you’d expect from a player who is struggling for confidence. However, the 27-year-old looked much happier and will be hoping this is a sign of better things to come.
Substitutions
Ashley Young (on for Jesper Lindstrom, 69′) – 5
The experienced player didn’t have too much to do when he came on although his side did concede twice after he came on which made the final few minutes nervy for the Blues.
Nathan Patterson (on for Iliman Ndiaye, 80′) – N/A
Michael Keane (on for Jake O’Brien, 87′) – N/A
In other Everton news, Dele Alli has shared a Tottenham video clip after he agreed terms with a new club.
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