Southampton 0-3 Everton – Player Ratings

Everton claimed their first win of the 2015-16 Premier League season on Saturday afternoon with a dominant performance over Southampton in the early kick-off at St Mary’s Stadium.

But how did the players fare on the day? Here are my player ratings for the Toffees.

Tim Howard – 8

After his worst year as an Everton player in 2014-15, Howard has had a lot of doubters to prove wrong coming into this season and it is a case of so far so good for the American.

The Blues’ stopper has been faultless so far in 2015-16 and made a crucial save from Sadio Mane just seconds before the visitors’ first goal.

Seamus Coleman – 5

The right-back’s form at present is as confusing as it is worrying. After a number of years of setting very high standards, Coleman is falling well below them at the moment.

He had a hand in the third goal, but his decision making, defensive uncertainty and overall lack of adventure going forward is a real cause of concern for Evertonians ahead of a testing schedule.

Phil Jagielka – 7

After a poor opening weekend the captain responded in fine fashion with a composed performance at the heart of the defence.

His distribution was a little shaky, but he made plenty of vital blocks and won a lot of aerial battles – it’s good to see him back to his best.

John Stones – 8

The youngster displayed why the Premier League champions are so desperate to secure his signature.

Stones didn’t let the speculation get to him as he put in a classy performance as he kept the dangerous Graziano Pelle quiet.

Brendan Galloway – 7

He didn’t exhibit the adventure going forward that he did last week, but defensively he looked sound.

The deputy left-back is doing an admirable job of filling in for the injured Leighton Baines and is making rapid progress.

More from Everton FC News

James McCarthy – 6

Solid, but quieter than usual. After signing a new contract not long ago the combative midfielder has looked a little undercooked in the opening two matches of the campaign.

He wasn’t as busy as normal on Saturday, but the former Wigan man was steady enough in the engine room of the Toffees’ midfield.

Gareth Barry – 7

After a string of uninspiring performances last term, this was one of Gareth Barry’s better displays in an Everton shirt as of late.

The former Aston Villa and Man City midfielder was never afraid to put a foot in and break up the opponents’ attacks and he was an important link player in the final third at times as well.

Tom Cleverley – 6

Tom Cleverley in a wide position is hardly a recipe for success and he didn’t make much of an impression at St Mary’s.

He didn’t do an awful lot wrong, but wasn’t involved enough and missed a great chance on the stroke of half time. He must be played centrally in the future.

Arouna Kone – 8

A goal and two assists in just two games – who saw this coming from the under-fire Ivorian?

The much maligned striker was one of the Blues’ most important players on Saturday, with his presence allowing Lukaku and Barkley to flourish and while he wasn’t great defensively he was elegant and industrious in the final third.

His best showing in an Everton shirt thus far.

Ross Barkley – 8

He was wasteful and soft in the tackle in the first quarter of the match but after that the youngster excelled as he helped put Saints to the sword.

An excellent goal and assist, couple with some nice touches and an all round busy display meant the midfielder enjoyed a fine afternoon at St Mary’s – a very pleasing sight for everyone associated with the club.

Romelu Lukaku – 9

I’m not the first observer to note this, but the point still has to stand – the forward was simply unplayable on Saturday.

He made his intentions known early doors with a rampaging run that spanned half the length of the pitch and resulted in a dangerous free-kick and a booking for a Saints player.

From that point on he was powerful, pacy and dangerous as he netted two and wreaked havoc in the final third.

Next: Southampton 0-3 Everton

More from Prince Rupert's Tower