Attacker blows chance to shine: Everton player ratings v Liverpool
By Matt Farr
Football Insider rates the Everton players in their 1-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Maarten Stekelenburg 6 – Untested until being drawn into action early in the second-half. Made an excellent save to deny Firmino before going off with an injury.
Leighton Baines 6 – Had little freedom to attack in the game, but defended well. Eventually resorted to hopeful long-balls forward.
Ramiro Funes Mori 6 – Liverpool constantly tested Everton’s back-line in the second-period but they did not break under the pressure.
Ashley Williams 6 – Another reassuring defensive display following his performance against Arsenal midweek.
Seamus Coleman 6 – Like Baines, could not influence enough of the game in the final-third. Important goal-line clearance to deny a Liverpool second.
James McCarthy 6 – Performed well in a dominant first-half, but suffered yet another injury scare and was forced-off at half-time.
Idrissa Gueye 6 – The rock at the heart of Everton’s midfield this season, had an important role to play against Liverpool’s strong attack, and didn’t do too badly.
Enner Valencia 6 – Largely ineffective. Caught in possession trying to dribble out of trouble, but Liverpool didn’t capitalise. Substituted for Calvert-Lewin.
Ross Barkley 5 – Couldn’t influence the game in the final-third. Wasted ball possession. Tested the patience of the referee on multiple occasions, perhaps transferring his season’s frustrations onto the official. Blew his chance to shine.
Aaron Lennon 6 – Looked lively in attack for Everton in the first-half.
Romelu Lukaku 5 – Struggled to get on the ball enough in a dominant first period for the Toffees. Liverpool were dominant in the second and Everton hardly saw the ball – let alone Lukaku.
Subs
Gareth Barry 6 (for McCarthy 45)
Joel Robles 7 (for Stekelenburg 64)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6 (for Valencia 72)
In other Everton news, here is how fans reacted to Koeman’s decision to omit Gerard Deulofeu from the matchday squad.