Everton registered their 7th win on the road in 10 away games.
Everton headed into last night’s game away to Leeds looking to get their season back on track after a dismal home performance against Newcastle United at the weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti was clearly unhappy with his side’s performance on Saturday and knew his side could ill-afford to go on another bad run of results if they are to fulfil their ambition of finishing in a European place this season. The boss made four changes to his starting eleven for last night’s game, one enforced due to a rib injury to Jordan Pickford, but also decided to rotate Seamus Coleman, James Rodriguez and Michael Keane out of the side.
Carlo demanded a more committed performance from the Toffees, particularly against a side like Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds who we all knew would give their all for ninety minutes. The boss got his wish, particularly in the first half, as the Blues came out firing and matched Leeds man for man all over the pitch. Speaking of the pitch, the newly-laid turf caused issues for many of the players on the pitch who repeatedly slipped over throughout the game, you will have been forgiven for thinking you were watching Bambi on ice at times.
However, the pitch didn’t effect the team’s overall performance as they managed to net two goals in a thrilling first half display and dug in to see the victory out in the second half, despite a few scary moments as Leeds fought to get something out of the game.
It was a much-needed victory and pleasing performance from Everton. Here are our individual player ratings for the Blues’ 2-0 away win at Leeds United:
Robin Olsen – 9
With Jordan Pickford ruled out through injury, Robin Olsen had another chance to start for Everton and he put in his best performance so far with an incredible display to help see Everton to victory.
The Swede has always had a commanding, yet calming presence when he has played for the Toffees, but last night saw him really shine and show how good of a goalkeeper he is.
He was solid throughout the game, but the highlight was undoubtedly his string of three vital saves in a matter of seconds during a second half onslaught from Leeds. Olsen has always delivered when called upon this season and has surely done more than enough to earn himself a run of games in the side, whether Pickford is available or not.