Midfield:
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5.5
After an insipid and horrendous performance at Selhurst Park where the Toffees were obliterated, Abdoulaye Doucoure made a resounding come back against West Ham, looking more comfortable and more assured in the middle. His presence in the middle did aid Holgate’s cause too as the former Barnsley man isn’t a typical midfielder but rather a makeshift one.
Mason Holgate – 5.5
Mason Holgate was expecting to be on the bench but a thigh injury in the warm up to Donny van de Beek forced Lampard to recall Holgate in the lineup albeit playing as a central midfielder sitting in front of the defence. Holgate has previously deputized as a DM but hasn’t passed the test with flying colours.
Holgate would have to take the blame for conceding a free kick which eventually resulted in a goal thanks to a moment of magic from Cresswell. Holgate did rectify his mistake in the second half, scoring the equalizer through a thunderous volley in the 53rd minute. Holgate
Alex Iwobi – 5
Alex Iwobi operated almost as a third central defender which gave Everton more control in the middle of the park and compensated for the lack of creativity in the midfield as the Toffees lost Van de Beek. Iwobi sprayed a defence splitting ball to Richarlison which was almost turned into the goal but Ryan Fredricks saved the Hammers with timely intervention.
Iwobi made a massive mistake, taking a poor touch and giving away possession and in turn enabling a blitzing counter attack from West Ham, leaving Antonio in a one on one situation against Pickford. Even though saved by the Englishman, the deflection fell to Bown who netted home to reinstate the one goal advantage.