Everton outclassed West Bromwich Albion, 5-2, on Saturday at Goodison Park. James Rodriguez showed he is adapting to the Premier League and Dominic Calvert-Lewin notched a hat-trick in the romp. So how did the Blues rate?
Grady Diangana gave West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 lead in the first half with a shot that seemed to catch Toffees’ goalkeeper out. Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Rodriguez (his first for Everton) gave Everton the lead at the half.
West Bromwich Albion had Kieran Gibbs and manager Slaven Bilic sent off before the half. However, the Baggies equalised with a very good free kick from Matheus Pereira. That didn’t last long as Michael Keane scrambled home his first league goal of the season and Calvert-Lewin scored twice to wrap up his hat-trick.
Defence:
Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper) 6
Looked out of it at times in the first half, especially on Diangana’s dipping shot. His distribution seemed lacklustre in the early moments of the first half. Not much he could do with Pereira’s free kick, and he improved in the first half. Once again, Pickford needs consistency.
Seamus Coleman (Right back) 7
Diangana gave him some issues in the early going but he linked-up well and his raiding up and down the flank was impressive. With WBA a man down in the second-half, he had even more time on the ball. It was a good match for Coleman’s 250th Premier League start.
Yerry Mina (Centre back) 6
Was sloppy with possession and distribution In the first half. He didn’t close down Diangara quickly enough and as a result, the winger had time to get away a very good shot to beat Pickford
Michael Keane (Centre back) 8
Continues to impress as a calm and reassured defender. He is emerging as the leader in the back four. He picked up his first league goal of the season and second overall as he put Everton in front to stay as he prodded home after Lucas Digne’s free kick in the 54th minute.
Lucas Digne (Left back) 8
Becoming a star in Everton’s pantheon of left backs. He roamed up and down the flank, seemingly at will and put in dangerous crosses.