Everton win their first Premier League game since December
That was one performance that could be etched in the minds of fans for years. Arguably the best display of the season. A complete team performance fueled by teamwork and unheralded determination.
The Toffees hardly put a foot wrong in the entire game completely dominating Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. This was one of the most hearty and spirited performances from the lads which will act as a huge boost in the final stretch of the campaign. More importantly, the win puts Everton just one point behind Leeds and five points clear of Norwich who is in the relegation zone.
With his hands tied due to injuries, Frank Lampard was forced to make four changes to the side as Donny van de Beek, Alex Iwobi, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonjoe Kenny came in for Dele Alli, Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Yerry Mina.
This tie had already become a relegation six pointer as Everton hovered just above the relegation zone in 16th place. Frank Lampard asked for fan support as they aim to engineer a narrow escape and the fans acknowledged Lampard’s wishes. After meticulous campaigns on social media this week, the crowd came with banners and flags, bombarding their voices in support.
The electric atmosphere created by the fans instantly showed effects as the Toffees began on front foot, moving with aplomb and overloading the opposition half while in the attack. A gutsy first half performance gave Everton a 2-0 lead through Seamus Coleman and Micheal Keane. The third goal in second half was the final dagger that killed Leeds off.
Everton player ratings vs Leeds United:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Jordan Pickford hardly had anything to do in the first half. There were two rockets from Rodrigo that fully stretched Pickford but both of them struck the bar. The theme continued in the second half as the Englishman was hardly troubled by any efforts from Leeds United.
Seamus Coleman gave the lead to Everton
Defence:
Seamus Coleman – 8
Sometimes it is hard to believe that Seamus Coleman was bought for just £60k. His sheer longevity and his unquestionable loyalty serve as the epitome of greatness. It was iconic to see Seamus Coleman get into the six yard box and score the first goal, in a way, the captain thanking the fans for their unhindered support through thick and thin. In the second half, despite losing steam, Coleman was committed to seeing off the game and taking the much needed win
Michael Keane – 7.5
Michael Keane doubled Everton’s advantage and was largely solid in whatever he did in the first half. Such a performance can act as a huge confidence booster especially when things are going south for Keane.
Mason Holgate – 7.5
Mason Holgate made a last gasp risky tackle in the penalty area that could have ended in a horrible red card had he not timed it well but the tackle was impeccably timed. Holgate was there to make interceptions and keep it tidy at the back.
Jonjoe Kenny – 7.5
Jonjoe Kenny essentially had one job in defence – to babysit Raphinha. The Brazilian can be a force of nature and to contain him is an extremely difficult job. Kenny not only frustrated Raphinha, but he was confident in the attack as well. For a few moments, it just didn’t seem like Kenny isn’t a left back. Kenny did play a part in Everton’s first goal.
Kenny made seven recoveries and three interceptions, capping off a brilliant night for the academy product.
Alex Iwobi produced one of his best performances in Everton colours
Midfield:
Anthony Gordon – 8
Anthony Gordon had the chance to start the game with a bang as an early goal opportunity did come for him but Luke Ayling dealt with the threat. Like Alex Iwobi, Gordon was vibrant and thunderous on the left flank. The youngster delivered a delightful cross through a corner which was headed home by Keane to double Everton’s advantage.
He was involved throughout the game and got a lucky goal through Richarlison’s effort. Nonetheless, it was a performance that deserved to be awarded with a goal.
Allan – 7.5
Allan put in a brilliant shift in the midfield especially after a dull performance against Newcastle where he was overrun by the Magpies in the midfield. As Gordon and Iwobi wandered forward and Donny van de Beek made intelligent passes, Allan sat in his position, winning the ball back and breaking Leeds’ play.
He resisted pressure in the second half and kept the ball comfortably. The second half was bit more complex and demanded Allan to be constantly alert as Leeds tried to come back in the game. He dealt with the threat brilliantly and played a key role in Everton’s third goal as he broke forward with the ball before threading the pass to Richarlison.
Donny van de Beek – 8
Donny van de Beek was spectacular in the first half. He too played a part in the first goal and his intricate passing with intelligent decision making is something that Everton fans are already in awe of. It took no time for the fans to start singing Van de Beek’s name.
He seems to be exactly the type of signing that then Toffees needed in the midfield. It has taken no time for the Dutchman to settle and make a mark.
Alex Iwobi – 8
Alex Iwobi started on a bright note as he was afforded acres of space on the right. Playing on the right side of 4-4-2, Iwobi diligently tracked back and performed his defensive duties too. The Nigerian was given somewhat of a free role which aided Everton’s cause of playing high tempo football.
He did have an attempt on goal but the shot just brisked wide. The former Arsenal man probably had the best game of his Everton career. Iwobi looked a bit tired but he just didn’t have a stop button as he kept on running and throwing himself to defend on the right flank.
Attack:
Richarlison – 8
Richarlison was just superb throughout the game. His industrious nature worked well for Everton. The Brazilian created five chances in the first half and came close to scoring but his effort was blocked. He truly deserved a goal for his performance tonight and he did score a brilliant left footed goal only to find out that the goal would be given to Gordon who had the slightest of deflections.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
It has been a low key comeback for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Coming back after a long term injury is never easy but the Everton talisman looked determined to make an impact and so he did. His positioning was brilliant and so were his support runs. He couldn’t muster a proper shot at goal and came off after a hardworking performance.
Substitutions:
Dele Alli – 7
Dele Alli came on for Calvert-Lewin who looked tired in the second half and it would have been a surprise if the striker had continued for 90 minutes. Alli darted an inviting cross which was met by the foot of Rondon but Illan Meslier produced a wonderful close range save.
Anwar El Ghazi – N.A
Anwar El Ghazi replaced Gordon in the 81st minute to make his Everton debut. Combined with Alli on the left as Everton killed time.
Salomon Rondon – N.A
Salomon Rondon came on for Richarlison in the 86th minute as Everton waited for the final whistle after putting the tie to bed. Rondon came inches close to adding Everton’s fourth goal as Alli’s delightful cross was perfectly connected by Rondon but Meslier was alert and made a save.
How would you rate Everton’s performance today?