Everton player ratings v West Ham – Barry hopeless, 7/10 best of lot
Everton continued their disheartening pre-season campaign by succumbing to another defeat against West Ham on Thursday.
Dubbed the David Moyes derby, the Scotsman won’t be pleased to have lost to his former employers as part of the Premier League Summer Series, making it three defeats on the bounce in pre-season.
The 62-year-old will be doubly disappointed by the fact that the Toffees went ahead through Idrissa Gueye, before Lucas Paqueta and Niclas Fullkrug’s goals either side of half-time turned the result around.
Moyes spoke before the game about the need to accelerate their business in the transfer market, but admitted that the Merseyside club are finding it challenging to get deals over the line.
Everton’s desperation is becoming increasingly apparent following their defeat to the Hammers, as Goodison News rates every player’s performance out of 10.
Thierno Barry looked lost against West Ham
Everton’s one marquee signing of the summer is Thierno Barry, who the Blues brought in from Villereal for around £27million after chasing the striker’s signature for almost a month.
The France Under-21 international is yet to start a pre-season fixture after arriving late to training from his international exploits, but came on at half-time against the Hammers.
The 22-year-old struggled from the off, barely getting any touches on the ball and reacting far too slowly to get on the end of an excellent ball from Jake O’Brien.
Barry was unable to hold onto the ball when it was played into him, often losing possession before committing unnecessary fouls as he vented his frustration.
It is understandable that the tall centre-forward lacks chemistry with his new teammates, but his lack of positional awareness left him looking lost, which is more of a worry.
Moyes has an excellent track record with coaching strikers and will be keen to swiftly work his magic after Barry’s hopeless 3/10 performance.
Harrison Armstrong continues to stake claim for first-team spot
Harrison Armstrong continued his excellent pre-season form into the game against West Ham, and was the Toffees’ brightest spark in the centre of the park.
The midfielder did not look out of place against Premier League opposition and completed the full 90 minutes for the Blues.
The 18-year-old was instrumental in Everton’s opener as he intercepted a loose ball before driving upfield and laying the ball off to Gueye to score.
The move displayed both his youthful energy and excellent composure that belies his age, as the teenager patiently waited until his captain was in the proper position to receive the pass.
Throughout his 7/10 performance, the academy graduate always looked to get on the ball and was tidy in possession, while putting in a good shift to shield the defence.
Armstrong has been linked with another loan move this summer after spending six months at Derby last season, but may be working his way into Moyes’s immediate plans as he continues to impress.
Everton player ratings against West Ham
Mark Travers – 4/10
Jake O’Brien – 5/10
Michael Keane – 4/10
Nathan Patterson – 5/10
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5/10
Idrissa Gueye – 7/10
Tim Iroegbunam – 5/10
Harrison Armstrong – 7/10
Dwight McNeil – 5/10
Iliman Ndiaye – 6/10
Beto – 5/10
Substitutes
Carlos Alcaraz – 5/10
James Garner – 5/10
Thierno Barry – 3/10
James Tarkowski – 5/10
Youssef Chermiti – 5/10
Isaac Heath – 6/10
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