Josh Maja scored a brace on his Fulham debut, helping the Cottagers beat Everton.
Everton produced one of the most sluggish performances in recent times, falling 2-0 to Fulham at home. The Cottagers registered their first win at Goodison Park while also winning tye first league game since November 30. There was not even the slightest doubt as to who was the better team throughout the game. Fulham were disciplined and followed a set course of plan throughout the span of 90 minutes which in the end yielded sweet results.
Everton didn’t look like a side that was on a mission to breach into top five. Instead, a performance like this gives a reality check to all dreamers that ample of work needs to be done if Everton are to be considered strong candidates for European football.
Carlo Ancelotti tinkered with the side, selecting Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate as the centre back pairing. It was unusual to see Richarlison as only forward in the lineup with Don Carlo opting to start with three central midfielders and two playmakers. Josh Maja’s double taught Everton a lesson, one that can cost them come the end of the season. Here are the Everton player ratings:
Robin Olsen – 5
Robin Olsen found himself occupied in the early stages of the game as the visitors created pressure around Everton goal area. He was the more busier keeper in the game but couldn’t do much to save the Maja tap ins. However, the Swede could have negotiated the Harrison Reed shot better that eventually hit the post and fell to Maja who was at the right place at the right time to tap it home.