Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

West Brom 2-3 Everton – Player Ratings

By Steve Nicholls

facebooktwitterreddit

Everton pulled off arguably the comeback of the season on Monday night as they came from two goals down in the second half to claim all three points against West Brom in a five-goal thriller.

But how did the players fare individually at the Hawthorns? Here are my player ratings.

Tim Howard – 6

It is hard to judge the keeper’s performance given he didn’t have much to do aside from the two goals.

It could be argued that he may have done better for the opener, but it was more misfortune than bad play – a quiet night for Howard all in all.

Tyias Browning – 7

The deputy right-back had a frustrating evening going forward but was solid enough defensively and didn’t look out of place at one of the Premier League’s toughest grounds.

His natural pace and power means he is one to keep an eye on for the future at the back for the Blues.

Phil Jagielka – 6

For large parts of the game Jags was untroubled, but he made the odd error here and there and was partly culpable for the second Baggies goal.

The captain had to lead a very inexperienced defence so it was excusable for him to have a slightly off night.

Ramiro Funes Mori – 6

There is no doubt that with his height, pace and power, the Argentine has all the tools to be a great centre half for the Toffees.

However, he is guilty of errors at vital moments and lapses of concentration as evidenced by the opening goals netted by Reading and West Brom respectively in the last week.

Very much a work in progress as he adapts to the speed of the Premier League.

Brendan Galloway – 8

What a prospect the former MK Dons man looks. Once more the youngster was almost faultless at the back and a thorn in the side of the hosts going forward.

The early signs are that Roberto Martinez may have found a gem in Brendan Galloway.

Gareth Barry – 5

In stark contrast to the rest of his teammates, Barry seemed to start well and get worse as the night went on.

In the early stages the midfielder was composed and heavily involved, but after his mistake for Saido Berahino’s goal, his performance levels plummeted and it became a night to forget for him.

More from Everton FC News

James McCarthy – 6

Unfortunately for him this night will be remembered for his dive rather than his individual performance.

He was creative going forward and busy defensively and he wold have got a 7 but for that horrific act of simulation.

Darron Gibson – 7

He didn’t have too much time to influence the game, but when he came on the tempo of Everton’s play did improve.

The former Manchester United man did an impressive job in the heart of the midfield given how little football he has played recently.

Steven Naismith – 7

The Scot looked like he had the bit between his teeth all night and he pressed the Baggies relentlessly.

It wasn’t his night in front of goal, however, and he was withdrawn with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Ross Barkley – 7

A typical Ross Barkley performance – drive going forward, the odd mistake and non-existent defensively.

There is no doubt that Barkley is a threat in the final third and he should have scored in the first half, but his defensive work, or lack of it, leaves a lot to be desired.

Still, a good enough performance from the attacking midfielder in testing circumstances.

Gerard Deulofeu – 8

Another excellent night’s work from the fans’ favourite. He didn’t see as much of the ball as he will have wanted in the first half, but looked very dangerous when he did have it.

In the second period he tore West Brom apart with two assists and proved why Evertonians were so happy to get him back from Barcelona – the first name on the teamsheet at the moment.

Romelu Lukaku – 8

Just shades the man of the match award despite a woeful first half showing where he was a better West Brom defender than he was an Everton attacker.

However, two goals and an assist in a comeback from 2-0 down is something not many strikers in the league could manage and the Belgian was superb in the second 45 minutes.

By no means a complete forward, but the bottom line is this – Lukaku scores goals and and is the most lethal player Everton have had in recent memory – we should not take him for granted.

Arouna Kone – 7

No one has been more of a critic of Arouna Kone than this particular observer this season, as he has only been marginally better than in the previous two years, but it cannot be denied that he helped the Toffees significantly when he came on.

His off the ball running allowed Lukaku the space to flourish and he netted a goal himself as well with some clever movement to draw the visitors level.

He still shouldn’t be starting in place of either Naismith, Barkley or Deulofeu, but on the evidence of yesterday night and the opening day of the season, Kone is a more than useful option off the bench if the Blues are trailing.

Next: West Brom 2-3 Everton

More from Prince Rupert's Tower

Home/Everton FC News