Everton failed to extend their winning run in the Premier League to four games after slumping to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The Toffees struggled in attack while being equally ineffective in defence with United scoring two goals through Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.
However, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s well-taken penalty in the 77th minute did serve as a ray of hope for Evertonians but they eventually failed to trouble a sturdy United backline.
Here are the Everton players rated in their disappointing loss to Manchester United.
Jordan Pickford (8.5/10): A busy evening for Pickford, who was forced to make no less than 8 saves, including a sensational save to deny Anthony Martial in the latter stage of the game. He was unfortunate to have lacked adequate support from the Everton defenders.
Seamus Coleman (4/10): He was completely destroyed by Anthony Martial on the right-flank as he repeatedly struggled to deal with the Frenchman’s sheer pace and clever movements. A terrific performance from such an experienced defender.
Michael Keane (6.5/10): Struggled to impress against his former club as he lacked support from his fellow defenders. He did look sharp, at times, when dealing with the threat and mustered five clearances, three tackles and two interceptions.
Kurt Zouma (6/10): Failed to form a solid defensive partnership with Michael Keane at the heart of the Everton defence. The Frenchman also made a few rash decisions throughout the game, notably when he tried to carry the ball across midfield but left the defence completely exposed in the process.
Lucas Digne (6.5/10): Although Digne didn’t struggle as much as Coleman on the opposite flank, the former Barcelona starlet was ineffective in the build-up play. He did end up making three clearances while providing a couple of effective crosses.
Andre Gomes (6.5/10): Failed to capitalise on his excellent display against Crystal Palace last weekend as he was largely overwhelmed by a swarm of Manchester United midfielders dominating the middle third of the game. He lacked inventiveness and had far too much expectation on his shoulders, given it’s only his second appearance with his new club.
Idrissa Gueye (6/10): An awful display from Idrissa Gueye, who struggled to deal with the likes of Paul Pogba and Fred. The Senegalese international also walked on a disciplinary tightrope after receiving a yellow card in the first quarter of the game, which certainly minimized his tenacity in lunging into challenges and break up the play.
Theo Walcott (5/10): Made a few dangerous runs from the right-flank to double Luke Shaw but he yielded very little of the desired end product. Largely anonymous, however.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (6.5/10): His work-rate was impressive but as you would expect from any attack-minded midfielder, Sigurdsson grew frustrated with his lack of opportunities to shine in the final third. However, his well-taken penalty in the second half did inspire Everton to make a comeback.
Bernard (7/10): Missed a great opportunity to score when he rounded off David de Gea before firing the ball into the side-netting. Was a spark in attack although he lacked the final end-product, much like most of his teammates this evening.
Richarlison (7/10): Provided a trouble or two for the Manchester United defence with his dynamic movements in the final third. His physical prowess once again proved to be the X-factor as it proved to be difficult for the defenders to mark him tightly.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman (6/10): Did not make much of an impact after coming on for Bernard around the hour-mark. Perhaps taking off Theo Walcott might have proved to be a wiser decision from coach Marco Silva.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (NA): Hoped to replicate his cameo against Palace by scoring late but had a very little impact on proceedings.
Cenk Tosun (NA): Could have been introduced earlier as Everton always lacked the presence of a fully fledged striker. Had very little time to make an impact after replacing Theo Walcott in the 78th minute.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
