Everton player ratings vs. Liverpool: James Rodriguez average, Calvert-Lewin saves the day
Dominic Calvert-Lewin saved the day when James Rodriguez and Richarlison had sub par displays.
Forwards:
James Rodriguez – 7
James Rodriguez has been so instrumental for Everton that a sub-par performance feels like he disappointed everyone. It was not the best of James as he failed to control the tempo of the game as he would have wished.
Though, whenever he was in possession, he looked dangerous and always had a clear idea of what he wanted to do with it. His sharp, curling corner found Keane’s header which resulted in the Toffees’ first goal, taking Rodriguez’s assist tally to 4 for the season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8
He was Everton’s best player on the pitch, not because of his goal but for what he offered in the final third. At this point, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Calvert-Lewin scored yet another header taking his goal tally to 10 for the season.
What was even more thrilling to watch was the physical presence and running down the channels that always kept Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on their toes. On a day where James Rodriguez and Richarlison failed to provide the inspiration in the front-line, DCL rose and exhibited determination and quality all over the field.
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Richarlison – 5
A game to forget for the Brazilian. The cloddish challenge on Thiago was totally uncalled for resulting in Richarlison’s sending off late in the second half. The 23 year old was not very influential in the final third too and never really got into that attacking zone he’s famous for. His work rate off the ball was only positive for him today. Richarlison will need to clear his head and remain calm to avoid an incident of this magnitude in the future.
Substitutes:
Ben Godfrey – 7 (On for Seamus Coleman 31′)
Ben Godfrey made his Everton debut in the Merseyside derby and was impressive right from the start. Merseyside derbies are never easy with emotions and tempers flaring high but the 22 year old rose to the task well, doing a great job at right back.
One of his runs that saw him take on 3 Liverpool players before eventually passing to Richarlison who smashed it above the goal was his shining moment in the attacking half. Defensively, Godfrey did well to negotiate Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota in the second half. He also had some help from James Rodriguez as the Colombian also performed his defensive duties.
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Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6 (On for Andre Gomes 72′)
Did the job of injecting energy in the midfield but was not effective, similar to the player he came on for.
Alex Iwobi – 5.5 (On for Abdoulaye Doucoure 78′)
His trickery right in the end was eye-catching and even entertaining but apart from that Iwobi’s substitution wasn’t helpful.
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The derby hoodoo continues…