Everton player ratings vs Brighton: Despite Anthony Gordon heroics, Everton lose 2-3 at Goodison

Anthony Gordon scored his first goal for the Everton senior side

Attack:

Demarai Gray – 7

Demarai Gray operated on both the flanks, right in the first half and left in the second. He was a live wire, always looking electric and dangerous. Gray dominated Veltman and later got the better of Tareq Lamptey too.

The former Leicester City man is easily Everton’s go-to option to create something magical. Gray saw his spectacular attempt saved in the first half as a drop of shoulder created space for him to shoot but Sanchez was there to make the save.

Through his pace and trickery, he often got the better of Brighton players, be it Burn or Webster or Lamptey but in the end he couldn’t stop the Toffees from succumbing to yet another loss.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5

Interestingly, Dominic Calvert-Lewin last played against Brighton in the reverse fixture before missing 16 games due to injury. The Englishman returned and had a chance to score from the spot after Enock Mwepu fouled Anthony Gordon in the box.

Despite missing a penalty, Calvert-Lewin did a lot of hard work throughout the game, running down the channels while also winning headers and distributing them. Calvert-Lewin managed to complete entire 90 minutes upon return which will be a positive for the player, given he was out for over four months.

Anthony Gordon – 8

Anthony Gordon was Everton’s best player by a mile. He was in a different ballpark altogether. The 20 year old was a nucleus of energy and dexterity. His first goal for the senior side came in the second half as he created space by drifting in from the right and striking the ball with power which took a lucky deflection on the way, resulting in the first goal.

His second goal was even more spectacular, as Calvert-Lewin combined with Kenny who threaded the ball in the centre, inviting Gordon to attack the ball and put it past Sanchez. In fact, the 20 year old came close to scoring an unlikely hat trick but just couldn’t go past Burn.

The bundle of energy never dwindled and he never dropped his shoulder in frustration as he tried continuously to score or create a chance.