Everton player ratings and scores after the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park
A sparkling first half display brought David Moyes his first win of a second spell as Everton manager but after failing to capitalise on their earlier dominance, the Blues were left clinging on in the dying seconds to hold on for what could be a crucial three points to triumph 3-2.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired the hosts in front on 13 minutes with a confident finish that made a mockery of the fact this was his first goal in 17 Premier League games and after a superb run and rocket shot from Iliman Ndiaye on the half-hour mark doubled Everton’s lead, an own goal from Archie Gray made it 3-0 in first half stoppage time.
The Blues had opportunities to go even further ahead early in the second half but after failing to add to their lead, were left nervously clinging on towards the end as the north London side hit back through Dejan Kulusevski, floating a ball over the heads of several home defenders on 77 minutes and substitute Richarlison firing in at the far post in stoppage time. Here’s how the ECHO rated the players:
Jordan Pickford 6
On top form in crucial moments when the game was still in the balance to twice deny Son Heung-Min with big saves, firstly when the Spurs captain was on the edge of the area and then from close range, after looking so assured for so long, he will have been disappointed not to have dealt better with James Maddison in the build-up to the visitors’ goal for Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison’s stoppage time effort at the back post had nerves jangling.
Jake O’Brien 7
Making his first Premier League start on the right-hand side of a centre-back trio, the Republic of Ireland international made the most of his huge 6ft 6in frame while showing he has brains as well as brawn by looking polished in possession and at times being a willing runner.
James Tarkowski 8
A tower of strength leading the hosts’ new-look defence while also being denied a headed goal in first half stoppage time by Kinsky’s smart save and then nodding down in the move that brought the third, Everton’s captain made a monster tackle on Son just when the South Korea international looked set to pull the trigger with a shot, only to be devoured by an inch-perfect firm but fair challenge.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Playing on the left of Everton’s defensive trio, the Carlisle Kaiser looked assured while also seemingly with the instructions to step forwards out from the back when he got the chance, finding the pass to Ndiaye before the exchange with Gueye that ended in the second goal and stretching out a telescopic leg to deny Richarlison in the second half.
Jesper Lindstrom 7
Nominally operated as a right wing-back but this was an attack-minded display and his most-promising in a royal blue jersey to date, setting the tone early on when he cut inside and brought an acrobatic save out of Antonin Kinsky and earning a standing ovation when he made way for Young, taking in applause from three sides of the ground as he went off.
Idrissa Gueye 8
Played an intelligent, measured ball into Calvert-Lewin’s feet to create the goal, showing there is silk as well as steel to his game, also delivering the pass that sent Ndiaye on his way for the second and appearing cool in possession.
Orel Mangala 7
Along with so many of his team-mates, he produced a more energetic display than of late while also being able to pick a pass, he almost put Everton two up but was denied by the post.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 7
Showed the right spirit by being one of the Blues’ main pressers, his energy levels were of significant assistance while others were left to show more finesse.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Got forwards when he could without neglecting his defensive duties, this was a much more accomplished display from the Ukraine international than we’ve seen for a while but he should have done better with a chance to put his side four up when blazing over from Ndiaye’s pass.
Iliman Ndiaye 9
Embodied all that was impressive about this revitalised Everton display, he sent Radu Dragusin for a copy of the ECHO as he set off from Gueye’s pass and although he had Calvert-Lewin as an option inside, didn’t need his striker as he smashed a glorious left foot shot into the roof of the net to double Everton’s advantage before creating several more chances for colleagues after the break.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 8
Superb footwork to shuffle one way, then the other around Archie Gray and then despatch a confident finish to beat Antonin Kinsky and end his scoring drought, he lead the line with great purpose but was denied a second with possibly his worst touch of the first half before his header from Tarkowski’s nod down in stoppage produced a third when Gray put the ball into his own net.
Ashley Young (on 69 for Lindstrom)
Dropped to the bench as part of a tactical reshuffle, Moyes introduced Everton’s oldest ever outfield player to add some valuable nous in the latter stages, filling in solidly on first the right and then the left.
Nathan Patterson (on 81 for Ndiaye)
Encouraging cameo, driving forwards to win a foul late on and ease the pressure.
Michael Keane (on 88 for O’Brien)
Late introduction to see Everton over the line.
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