Everton registered their fourth win as they scored two past Norwich City
Everton sealed a 2-0 win over Norwich City as the Toffees are back on track after the last week’s defeat to Aston Villa. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andros Townsend scored for Everton as Jordan Pickford managed to keep a clean sheet upon his return. Everton now sits fifth in the Premier League with four wins out of six games. On the other hand, Daniel Farke’s side continues to suffer and linger last without a win in six games.
Everton’s startling start came to a halt against Aston Villa. The Toffees were hopeful of getting back to winning ways against Norwich City and they managed to do so, though not in the most effective manners. The game started as a dull affair with very little action around the goal area. It was a common theme throughout the game but Everton were able to pick their moments.
Everton named an unchanged outfield eleven from last week against Aston Villa, making just one change in goal as Jordan Pickford returned to the side at the expense of Asmir Begovic. The Merseysiders lined up in their usual 4-4-2 with Salomon Rondon and Demarai Gray upfront.
Injuries certainly weakened not only the first team but even the bench as the list of substitutes had two goalkeepers and fair strength of homegrown talent with Lewis Dobbin, Ellis Simms, Anthony Gordon and Tom Davies on the bench.
Everton now face Manchester United next Saturday but for now, they will be delighted to return to winning ways.
Here are the Everton player ratings vs Norwich:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Jordan Pickford made his 150th Premier League appearance for Everton. The England No.1 was hardly called into action or forced to make a save until the 43rd minute but had to make a full stretch to parry out Mathia Norman’s long range effort. Gave a scare for a brief moment in the second half when he was holding his shoulder but carried on and was untroubled for most part of the game.
Defence:
Lucas Digne – 6.5
Lucas Digne had an injury scare in the Carabao Cup game against QPR but was deemed fit to face Norwich. The former Barcelona man was expected to showcase his attacking threat down the left flank as Norwich City defended deep and allowed the Toffees to have the ball. He did attempt five crosses in the first half but couldn’t offer the kind of quality he generally offers from the left. He
Michael Keane – 7
Michael Keane didn’t have a lot of pressure on him as he managed to keep Teemu Pukki at bay for the most part of the game. The Englishman was neat and tidy on the ball and moved the ball quite well as the Canaries didn’t press the Everton backline.
Yerry Mina – 7
Yerry Mina had an interesting duel with Joshua Sergeant at times but just like Keane, the Colombian remained untroubled and composed for most of the first half. As Norwich amped up the pressure in the second half, Mina continued to showcase resilience.
Ben Godfrey – 6.5
Ben Godfrey faced his former side Norwich for the first time since leaving the Canaries last season. Godfrey is still improving on his physical levels that took a dip after an illness earlier this season. The Englishman recovered possession seven times in the game.
Abdoulaye Doucoure sealed the win for Everton
Midfield:
Allan – 7
Allan won the penalty after being challenged by Ozan Kabak which was eventually scored by Andros Townsend. The Brazilian was tidy in possession and orchestrated the role of an enforcer well. On the ball, he had the freedom to surge forward and also carry out a few slick passes.
Allan was instrumental in the second goal as he won the ball back by pressing. Overall, a solid performance from the former Napoli man.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 8
Abdoulaye Doucoure was the channel for most of Everton’s attacks and forward plays in the first half. He often thrust forward with the ball infiltrating the Norwich final third. The tireless workhorse was full of intent in the opposition half and was energetic as always.
Doucoure helped Everton seal off the win, once again showcasing his box to box qualities, as he raided forward as Allan won the ball. The former Watford man was set up brilliantly by Gray and he struck a low but powerful shot past Krul in the back of the net. Doucoure’s goal effectively brought an end to Norwich’s efforts to salvage something from the game.
Alex Iwobi – 6
Despite getting a launch on many occasions, Alex Iwobi gave away the ball. He looked dangerous while moving forward but his decision making at times could’ve been questioned. Whenever the Nigerian was afforded space, he looked to exploit it and give the Norwich players a hard time.
Andros Townsend – 8.5
Everton were handed a penalty after a VAR check as former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak made a rash challenge, fouling Allan. Townsend stepped up to take the penalty and Tim Krul tried his best to play mind games with the winger but the 30 year old converted from the penalty spot, continuing his brilliant start to life at Goodison Park.
Townsend was the main attacking threat for much of the game. The right winger had an enticing battle with Brandon Williams that lasted until the former Crystal Palace man was taken off for Anthony Gordon. With his goal this afternoon, he now has seven goal contributions (four goals, three assists) in eight games for Everton.
Demarai Gray was bright throughout the game
Attack:
Salomon Rondon – 6
Salomon Rondon was clearly struggling to generate energy and looked out of pace compared to others around him. It was evidently clear that the Venezuelan striker lacked match fitness. However, he did cushion a pass to Townsend in the first half. The former Newcastle man just looked out of touch and energy in the second half. It was a bit surprising to see him play the entire 90 minutes of the game.
Demarai Gray – 7.5
Demarai Gray was quick, reactive and threatening, aiming to run at the Norwich defence whenever presented with an opportunity. He also executed a silky smooth dummy in the first half which got the cheers and applause of the fans.
Gray assisted Doucoure’s goal, carefully threading a pass exactly where the Frenchman had demanded as the Toffees killed the game after a brief promising spell from Norwich in the second half. The former Leicester man now has three goals and one assist to his name in six Premier League games.
Substitutes:
Anthony Gordon – 6
Came on for Andros Townsend and did some decent running.
Tom Davies – 6
Tom Davies came on for Gray and came close to extending the Toffees’ goal advantage to three goals but his shot was wide.
Lewis Dobbin
Lewis Dobbin made his Everton debut, coming on for Iwobi.
How do you rate Everton’s performance against Norwich?