Everton player ratings vs Brentford: Double red haunts Everton

Richarlison and DCL had a strong game but their efforts went in vain

Attack:

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was smart to lay off a long ball into Richarlison’s path which eventually gave Everton the first big chance of the game. He won physical battles and was radiant from the start. Calvert-Lewin was rewarded with the goal as he had the most delicate of the final touch before the ball went past Raya. This was his first goal since August and a goal that will lift his spirits.

Calvert-Lewin soon become an isolated man in the second half as Everton defended deep. The Englishman tried to hold up the ball and run down the channels when an opportunity arose but nothing came out of it.

Had a chance to close the tie early in the second half when Richarlison thumped a ball into the box but Calvert-Lewin was a whisker away from the ball. Had that been a goal, we would have been seeing a very different scoreline.

Richarlison – 7

Richarlison had a golden opportunity to send Everton into an early lead as he intended to head home but he headed it wide. Anthony Gordon’s effort is saved and the rebound fell to Richarlison but he couldn’t find the back of the net. Should have been awarded a penalty but the referee turned a blind eye to Everton’s shouts.

It was almost one sided traffic and Everton were screaming for the half time whistle but just at the stroke of 45 minutes, Richarlison was brought down by Sorenson in the penalty area. Anguish turned to ecstasy as Richarlison with nerves of ice, converted the penalty to send 10 men Everton into the lead.

Richarlison toiled relentlessly, helping his side to defend against the Bees. The Brazilian’s effort needs to be saluted but it was sad to see all of it go in vain.

Anthony Gordon – 6

Gordon had half a chance as Richarlison played the ball to him but his effort was saved by Raya and the Brazilian striker failed to score on the rebound. Gordon whipped an enticing free kick into the box, where Richarlison got a touch before Calvert-Lewin got the final touch and got the goal.

Gordon was committed defensively but there’s only so much defensive work a pure attacker than do as he just couldn’t track Rico Henry’s run which eventually saw the Brentford left back to score. The youngster was taken off for the pace of Demarai Gray

Will Everton win against Crystal Palace and ensure their safety?