Everton player ratings vs Brentford: Double red haunts Everton

Andre Gomes replaced Fabian Delph in the Everton lineup

Midfield:

Alex Iwobi – 7

Alex Iwobi operated with vigour, reprising the role of right wing back. However, Iwobi’s assignment changed soon as Branthwaite’s red card saw Everton move to a  back four and Iwobi operated as a right back. Switching to a right back, Iwobi’s defensive responsibilities increased and he was matching up to every task.

In the second half, the majority of his presence was in Everton’s half defending against Wissa and Co. After Jonjoe Kenny came on, Iwobi moved forward but just couldn’t make much of an impact as the Toffees clearly lacked a body in the middle.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Abdoulaye Doucoure seemed to struggle in possession as Brentford pressed forward. The Mali international did his part defensively but he was further burdened by extra work after Branthwaite’s red.

Doucoure had a free header in the second half and if it hadn’t been for the excellence of David Raya, the Toffees would have found the third goal. Clearly struggled in a two man midfield and would have been more secure if he had Delph alongside him.

Andre Gomes – 5

Everton’s midfield two are clearly struggling to get hold of the ball. Andre Gomes did take a long-range shot which was saved by Raya. Gomes looked out of sync and was never really confident when on the ball. He was taken off to allow Iwobi to play in a more advanced role than that of a right back.

Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6

Vitaliy Mykolenko enjoyed early attacking freedom but since the red card, the Ukrainian has had to defend deep. Bryan Mbuemo gave Mykolenko some scares but the 22 year old negotiated well. Mykolenko was defensively monstrous as he kept his side clean. He was dribbled past just once in the entire game and made three important interceptions

Continued on the next slide…