Iliman Ndiaye sloppy, teammate struggles out of position – Everton player ratings vs Brighton
Everton drew 1-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday after a last-minute goal from Beto.
David Moyes took a pragmatic approach at the Amex Stadium, starting four centre-backs, with the likes of Vitalii Mykolenko and Adam Aznou out of the squad.
Kaoru Mitoma had the biggest opportunity against Everton in the first half, but was unable to find the back of the net after being played in behind in the 18th minute by Danny Welbeck.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Tarkowski were close to giving the Merseyside outfit the lead, but it was the Seagulls who broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through Pascal Gross, although Beto saved the Scottish manager’s blushes in stoppage time.
Iliman Ndiaye looked tired in Everton draw vs Brighton
Moyes will be delighted to have Iliman Ndiaye back from AFCON, but the Senegal international may have played a bit too much football in recent weeks.
After going all the way in the Africa Cup of Nations and winning it, the winger has started in the last two Premier League games for the Blues.
In the first half, the 25-year-old had a few opportunities to make something happen on the ball, but he clearly wasn’t sharp enough.
With Jack Grealish out injured, a lot of the Merseyside outfit’s attacking responsibilities will surely fall on Ndiaye, but he arguably needs a rest after a sloppy outing against the Seagulls.
Jarrad Branthwaite unable to do much at left-back for David Moyes
Branthwaite has returned from his injury at Everton and came on as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
The 23-year-old got his first start of the season at the Amex Stadium at left-back, with Moyes clearly desperate for some defensive solidity.
With Branthwaite playing out of position, he was unable to provide much support to Ndiaye on the left-wing, and had a few moments to forget defensively, with Brighton’s goal coming from their right.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues will make any movement before the 2 February deadline to reinforce their defence with a quality full-back, with the Scottish manager clearly not trusting
- Read More: Toffees in pole position to complete new striker signing as they submit deadline-busting offer
Everton player ratings vs Brighton
Jordan Pickford – 6
Jake O’Brien – 5
James Tarkowski – 6
Michael Keane – 6
Jarrad Branthwaite – 3
James Garner – 7
Idrissa Gueye – 6
Harrison Armstrong – 6
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Iliman Ndiaye – 4
Thierno Barry – 5
Substitutes:
Carlos Alcaraz – 5
Tim Iroegbunam – 4
Tyler Dibling – 5
Nathan Patterson – N/A
Beto – 7
Beto deserves massive credit for securing a point for Everton with a 97th-minute equaliser.
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