It was another game that left Everton ruing their lack of a clinical finisher, as missed chances once again defined the contest and failed to take the three points.
Iliman Ndiaye was the standout performer in the first half, capping off a powerful run with a composed finish that showcased his quality. From there, it became Sunderland’s game, as they asserted their home dominance throughout the second half.
Everton controlled much of the opening 35 minutes, creating numerous opportunities through James Garner, Jack Grealish, and Thierno Barry. The latter’s effort was somewhat of a shocker, a finish that most of us would have fancied from within 6 yards out. A lack of confidence also showing in the last minutes when Charly Alcaraz failed to capitalise on a 2 on 1 overload to get the win.
A missed chance proved to be the game’s turning point, but did it also affect individual performance ratings? Here’s our assessment of how Everton fared in a match they’ll feel they should have won.
Jordan Pickford - 7.0
Returning to his homeland, he had little to do in the first half but made the most of his moments. He reminded his home crowd of his quality with a well-judged save from a deflected shot and looked composed and confident with the ball at his feet.
Jake O’Brien - 6.0
Can’t remember much good or bad from the rightback. Probably shows why we need a better option in this position.
James Tarkowski - 6.0
Have to take blame for the Granit Xhaka goal as he was too deep, effectively in the wrong position, and in the way of Pickford. His deflection took it past, although it’s unsure if Pickford would have comfortably saved the shot.
Sloppy at times with the ball, remember a ball back to Pickford that put the team in danger.
Michael Keane -7.0
Produced vital defending to deny Wilson Isidor a shooting chance and made a crucial goal-line clearance before half-time. He looked less assured after the break as Sunderland took control and was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty for a potential handball incident.
Vitaly Mykolenko - 6.5
His blistering shot was a highlight, and he largely kept Bertrand Traoré quiet throughout the game. Apart from that, he offered little contribution going forward.
Idrissa Gana Gueye - 7.0
He showed incredible energy for a 36-year-old, covering every blade of grass throughout the game. His attacking contribution was decent at times, most notably when he joined as the spare runner to support Charly Alcaraz, even if the right move wasn't actioned.
James Garner -7.0
He came within inches of scoring just 15 seconds in and dominated the midfield battle in Everton's good spell. His passing was tidy, and he broke up several Sunderland attacks effectively. He also looked more assured than O’Brien after switching to right-back.
Iliman Ndiaye - 8.0
A superb first-half goal and was class. To glide past four defenders at that pace and finish so calmly inside the post showcased exactly why he’s such a star for Everton. He was outstanding at protecting the ball whether through close control while dribbling or by holding up play effectively. He did, however, make a few errors in his own half, giving the ball away.
Came off after 60 minutes through an apparent injury.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6.5
The partnership with Grealish looks superb at times as the majority of the ventures into the Sunderland box came through their link-up. Hasn’t got that flair or attacking quality to really hurt teams when in those positions though.
Jack Grealish -7.5
Played safe at times but showed his quality. Created the best opportunity in the game and had a good shot that hit the post.
Thierno Barry - 7.0
Despite being the only change to the starting XI, his evening can be classed as disappointing, ultimately being substituted after 55 minutes. Though he offered more physical presence up top than Beto in his limited minutes, his performance was marred by a missed golden opportunity that would have doubled the lead and killed the game off.
Substitutions
Beto - 5.5
Failed to add anything. Good defensive clearance in the last minute was the only positive.
Dwight McNeil - 5.0
Never seen a player lacking confidence more than him as he failed to add anything to the game. Would had rather seen Tyler Dibling given a run.
Charly Alcaraz - N/A
The overload was the tip of the iceberg in the second half. Booked also for a silly challenge in frustration.
Tim Iroegbunam - N/A
Not on long enough to give a rating.