Everton: Player ratings from 1-0 win versus Stoke City

We rate the players, as Everton started their Premier League campaign with a nervy 1-0 win versus Stoke City, at Goodison Park.

If Everton fans were hoping to see Saturday’s game as an early coronation of sorts, they were sadly disappointed. Instead, they endured a nervy occasion, which saw their beloved team hang on for a 1-0 win.

However, last time we checked, there were no style points awarded in the Premier League. In that respect, all that matters is the Blues started their campaign with three precious points.

In fairness to Ronald Koeman’s team, they did improve significantly in the second half. Regardless, we should at least offer kudos to Stoke City, who didn’t just come to Goodison Park to make up the numbers.

Overall, Everton just about deserved their victory. Here are our player ratings for the Blues:

Jordan Pickford (8/10)

On the evidence of Saturday, Everton have found their long-term answer in goal, as Pickford proved to be a steady presence throughout, before stepping up at the end of the game, when called upon. This included a spellbinding save from Xherdan Shaqiri at the death, to clinch the win.

Leighton Baines (6)

What can you say about a man who has played more games at full back, than anyone else in club history? Didn’t particularly stand out, but then again, he didn’t let anyone down either – Mr. Dependable.

Phil Jagielka (7)

Didn’t quite look like his usual reliable self during the opening 45 minutes, but to be fair to him, most of the Everton team underperformed in the first half. However, the captain stepped up his game after half time and made a compelling case for remaining in the starting lineup moving forward, regardless of what formation is played.

Michael Keane (7)

Similar to Pickford, Keane was a steadying force at the back and showed why the Blues paid big money to sign him. Had already impressed during pre-season and it was a case of “as you were” on Saturday.

Ashley Williams (5)

Before the game, we predicted Williams would miss out on starting if Everton played with two centre-backs, based on his performances during the pre-season. And while he did nothing to let his teammates down on Saturday, he was the obvious choice to come off, when Koeman changed formation and tactics for the second half.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (7)

We’ve already raved about how good Calvert-Lewin can be and Saturday’s match only reinforced our belief. Performed well, despite being played out of position – the sky is the limit for this young man.

Morgan Schneiderlin (5)

As with most of the team, the midfielder struggled during the first half, but the one difference is, he didn’t particularly improve after half time. We’ll let him off, but he better not let it happen again!

Idrissa Gueye (7)

The midfielder had the opportunity to give the Blues the lead during the first half – unfortunate, given his lack of scoring prowess, but it showed his willingness to try whatever it took to give the Blues an edge. All in all, he gave his standard 100 percent effort.

Davy Klaassen (6)

In truth, this was not the most impressive of displays by Klaassen, but again, it has to be noted the entire team struggled to impose themselves, specifically in the first half. However, he showed glimpses of what he can and there is no doubt he will be extremely beneficial to the cause this season – he’s too good not to provide a positive influence.

Wayne Rooney (8)

Kept dropping deeper and deeper as the first half progressed, but while this proved somewhat detrimental at times, at least it showed his eagerness to see the ball. Then, he provided his storybook moment on the stroke of half time, to give the Blues a 1-0 lead, which galvanised both the player and team.

Sandro Ramirez (6)

Some analysts (and fans) were disappointed in the striker’s Premier League debut, but we were impressed with how much he was involved in the build up play. We’re only just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of achieving on Merseyside.

Substitutes:

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Cuco Marina (6.5)

Didn’t look particularly sharp during pre-season, but we still predicted he would start on Saturday. Regardless, when he came on for Williams at the start of the second half, he showed why Koeman wanted to sign him, after their time together at Southampton.

Tom Davies (7)

This kid is a special talent, who arguably deserved to start. However, it’s pretty good when you can bring a player of his calibre off the subs bench and he didn’t disappoint, after replacing Klaassen on the hour.

Kevin Mirallas (6)

Brought into the action on 75 minutes, to replace a shattered Ramirez and offer a fresh pair of legs. Injected his impressive work ethic into the game, to help the Blues over the finishing line.

Next: Blues vs. Stoke City live blog

What is your take on our player ratings? Who was your man of the match? Is there anyone in particular, who you think deserved a better (or worse) rating? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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