Everton now have two back to back home wins under their belt
The stakes were high for this game as a poor result today for Everton could mean them slipping into the bottom three by the end of this weekend and the Toffees needed something magical to secure a win at Goodison Park. It wasn’t perfect but it was spirited as Frank Lampard’s men beat Ralf Rangnick’s side 1-0, thanks to Anthony Gordon’s first half goal.
A disjointed and isolated Manchester United performance meant that Everton were able to scramble a win despite not putting on a clinical display.
It was a welcome boost for Everton as Fabian Delph returned to the side for the first time since December. Seamus Coleman and Delph’s experience could be a difference maker in a tie where stakes are extremely high. Allan returned to the lineup after serving his red card punishment.
The win means that regardless of Burnley’s result against Norwich, Everton will remain 17th this weekend. This win is a huge confidence booster and shows exactly what they need to do for the rest of the games in order to secure Premier League status for next season.
Everton player ratings vs Manchester United
Jordan Pickford – 9
Jordan Pickford made a fine save from a Marcus Rashford shot early in the first half. Soon after the first save, Pickford had to make another diving save from a Rashford header from close range. Pickford made another strong save from a Ronaldo shot which summed up his domineering performance this afternoon. The Englishman hardly committed any error and was vigilant throughout the game.
Vitaliy Mykolenko was one of the best players for Everton
Defence:
Seamus Coleman – 7.5
Coleman returned after missing the last couple of games due to illness. The Irishman was not making life too difficult for Rashford as the Englishman is causing some trouble down the flank. Coleman grew into the second game and gave absolutely everything to protect the slender 1-0 lead.
Michael Keane – 7
Michael Keane returned to the heart of the defence after seeing his one match ban due to the red card against West Ham United. Made a lunge for the ball and in the process fouled Alex Telles who was on a solid fullback run.
The former Manchester United man made an effective block, stopping Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot. In the first half, Keane put some sloppy passes almost inviting United to score the goal but their inability to conjure up a goal saved him from embarrassment.
Keane of the first half and Keane of the second half were two opposite players. The defender put in a brilliant shift in the second half as Everton sneaked in a vital win.
Ben Godfrey – 7
Ben Godrey has definitely been a more composed and reliable centre back of the afternoon. The former Norwich City defender was clearing everything away that came towards the Everton goal. Godfrey made some important blocks and headed clearances.
Vitaliy Mkolenko – 9
Made a goal saving header with Cristiano Ronaldo arriving in the box late in the first half. Vitaliy Mykolenko kept Jadon Sancho at bay and hovered forward. As he continues to get a run of games, Mykolenko is polishing his play more and more which is a big plus. Potentially, this was his best game in an Everton shirt. The Ukrainian rose to every challenge and worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Fabian Delph was the right anchor for the Everton midfield
Midfield:
Fabian Delph – 8
The presence of Delph in the midfield almost instantly improved the standards as Everton looked more composed on the ball but still couldn’t penetrate enough going forward. Delph has been the right orchestrator. Lampard put him into the lineup expecting a certain kind of performance and this is what exactly the former Manchester City man put in.
A typical, reliable performance from the midfield. Everton will need more of these in the remaining games as the relegation battle goes right down to the wire.
Allan – 7.5
Allan’s presence has mattered the most in the midfield. His ability to win the ball back and drive forward was missed. He kept Bruno Fernandes in check. As United’s intensity and impatience increased, Allan became ever so crucial in breaking up the play and winning the ball back.
Alex Iwobi – 8
Alex Iwobi has recently featured in a more central role and retained his position in the lineup against United. The Nigerian was tasked with being the source of creativity from the middle of the park. His work rate was exceptional throughout the game, huffing and puffing throughout the ground in order to win the ball back and pressing United into making errors.
Iwobi never stopped running in the game. Even though he made a few misplaced passes but that could be easily forgiven for the momentous shift he put in. His off the ball work rate was second to none and really set an example for the rest of the team,
Anthony Gordon possibly scored the most important goal of his Everton career so far
Attack:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was looking like a shadow of himself as nothing seemed to work for him in the first half. He has not had much service but he isn’t making any case for himself either as he was dispossessed a couple of times in the first half.
He did have an important part to play in the first goal as he won a tackle which then set Everton on the break as Gordon released Richarlison. in totality, the Englishman was dispossessed 14 times which wasn’t to come as a shock given the underwhelming afternoon he had.
Richarlison – 7
Richarlison’s threat was warded off by Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the first half but the Brazilian grew into the game. His industrious nature supplemented Everton on the right side as life became a bit easier for Mykolenko.
Richarlison controlled the ball well and gave something to Wan-Bissaka to constantly worry about. The 24 year old didn’t get any goal contribution but was fairly threatening from the left flank.
Anthony Gordon – 9
Anthony Gordon looked brisk and full of intent as always. The academy product scored his fourth senior goal as Everton took the lead after 27 minutes into the game. The fire in Gordon’s belly is exactly what the rest of the Everton players need to emulate for the rest of the season.
Gordon had a penalty shout turned down in the second half but his appeals weren’t entertained. The youngster continued to work diligently throughout the game and contributed defensively too.
Substitutions:
Demarai Gray – 6
Came on for Calvert-Lewin. His electric pace could have been a big threat but by this point, Everton were concentrated to protect the lead instead of going all out for the killer blow. Nonetheless, Gray did do the necessary for the remainder of the game.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – N/A
Came on for Delph to offer some fresh legs and energy in the midfield as Everton looked to see the game out.