FA Cup: Everton 2 v Boreham Wood 0: Player Ratings

Defence

Asmir Begovic – 6

Begovic was never going to have much to do and did not have a save to make in the whole game. He did have to come out a couple of times to catch Boreham Wood balls pumped into the box.

The only issue was as with the rest of the defence, when he had the ball he did not release the ball quick enough, and this enabled Boreham Wood to reset and really suited with how they wanted the game to go.

Nathan Patterson – 6

Patterson actually started the most brightest out of the defensive five players on the pitch. He had a good couple of bursts down the right hand side early on and was always looking to be on the front foot.

Unfortunately for Patterson he was the scapegoat for the lack of first half endeavour from those further up the pitch and was replaced by Richarlison at half time. Certainly I wouldn’t have said this was because of his personal performance and unless he had an injury he can count himself unlucky.

JonJoe Kenny – 7

Utility defender as he must be now known, Kenny grew into the game and did have the challenge of three different positions to play in the defence during the game. Starting as the third right sided centre back Kenny was more of a defensive right back as the first half developed. This limited him going forward with Patterson outside of him and again not much defensive work was required.

In the second half Kenny switched to right back as Lampard changed to a flat back four, but Kenny was able to advance more and provided the crucial assist for Rondon’s first goal and relieve the Goodison Park tension.

When Mykolenko had to go off injured on the hour Kenny had to then switch across to left back as Coleman come on at right back. Kenny spent most of the remaining half an hour in Boreham Wood’s half linking up with Gordon.

Michael Keane – 6

Again not much defending for Keane to do in the game and he managed the physicality well against the Boreham Wood striker.

However he made too many touches when on the ball which slowed down Everton’s possession and did not assist the momentum the home side would have liked. This was better in the second half as I’m sure Lampard had insisted at half time. Keane also put a decent headed chance over the bar when it was only 1-0.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 6

One of the toughest games Branthwaite will have to play in his young career so far. With hardly any defensive duties to undertake it was a difficult game for him to show his attributes.

Certainly he was one of the best in moving the ball quicker out of the defenders in the first half, but seemed to become less motivated in the second half when Lampard had switched to a flat back four.

Indeed it was Branthwaite’s mistake that gave Boreham Wood their only shot on goal in the entire game when at only 1-0, fortunately that effort flew way over the bar.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 7

Having been given the captain’s armband for the game, Mykolenko gave an assured performance at left wing back. Indeed it was Mykolenko who provided the first shot on target with a well drilled left foot shot which was parried by the Boreham Wood goalkeeper.

Most of Everton’s attacks came down the right, but Mykolenko always stayed out wide which gave more space for Gordon to attack inside which was more successful as the game went on.

Unfortunately for Mykolenko he had to go off injured on the hour with a hip injury after a nasty fall off the pitch after he was fouled.

Seamus Coleman (sub on 60 mins) – 6

Coleman was introduced after Mykolenko’s injury and as usual provided a useful cameo with solid defence and looking to get forward at every opportunity.