Maarten Stekelenburg – 6
Didn’t really have anything to do at all, as he played the first half with little to worry about before being replaced by Joao Virginia at half-time.
Mason Holgate – 7
Holgate stepped in at right-back again and was very solid defensively whenever tested, without offering all too much going forward. It’s clear the 22-year-old prefers to play at centre-back, as he was allowed to following the second-half introduction of youngster Kyle John, but he filled in capably on this occasion.
Phil Jagielka – 7
It was nice to see Jags back in the side after the horror show against Wolves at the start of the season. Although he may find it difficult to even get in the matchday squad now, he still appeared as solid as ever in this game and helped Yerry Mina settle into the Everton defence. Not really tested, but always steady and comfortable in possession.
Yerry Mina – 8
An impressive first start from the Colombian. He was never getting beat in the air despite the considerable physical presence of some of the Gor Mahia forwards, and was always available and comfortable in possession. He saw plenty of the ball, and Evertonians seemed delighted about it. Mina even started the move for two of the goals by winning the ball well in defence.
Beni Baningime – 7
Plenty of credit has to be given to Baningime, whose name was read out even as the game began as on the substitute bench. Leighton Baines pulled out of the squad very last minute following the warm-up, and young Beni stepped in capably in an unfamiliar position. He ventured forward on several occasions and used his physical strength well to fend off Gor Mahia’s forward players.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
Schneiderlin is a player who started the season as a definite starter, but seems to be finding himself further and further away from the team recently. He was given a chance on this occasion, and did the basics well without showing anything special, apart from a lovely dummy in the second half. Provided some authority to an otherwise young central midfield.
Kieran Dowell – 7
It was great to see Dowell get his name on the scoresheet, and he was always looking to get forward during the match. He had a couple of great chances after getting into some good positions as well. Recovered the ball after he was nutmegged by one of the Gor Mahia players!
Tom Davies – 7
The youngster had a decent game in midfield, putting himself about in typical Tom Davies fashion. Lost the ball a couple of times in the first half put improved in the second when pushed further upfield into the No.10 position following the introduction of James McCarthy.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
Calvert-Lewin put in a positive performance, with plenty of runs forward looking to break through the lines of the opposition. Got himself in some good positions before being substituted, but couldn’t manage a goal.
Cenk Tosun – 6
The Turk had a decent game but didn’t have much in terms of clear-cut chances. Put in from the start by Silva hopefully to grab a goal or two to boost his confidence after some promising performances off the bench, but unfortunately he couldn’t manage it this time.
Ademola Lookman – 8
Lookman was the best player on the pitch going forward, and created a good few chances while trying to tiptoe through the Gor Mahia defence, sometimes a little too elaborately. Was pleased to grab a goal early on, and give the manager something to think about for the weekend. Was put on corner duty a couple of times and failed to deliver the ball well, so just keep him off those, though.
SUBS
Joao Virginia (Stekelenburg, 45) – 6
Virginia was keen to impress on his chance in the first team, and came for the ball well on a couple of occasions without having too much to do otherwise. Nearly gifted the visitors a goal after punching the ball straight into their path, though.
James McCarthy (Tosun, 66) – 7
Absolutely wonderful to see the Irishman back. He wasn’t massively tested in midfield, but had a run around and was solid in possession. Assisted Broadhead’s goal late on.
Oumar Niasse (Calvert-Lewin, 66) – 7
Niasse got forward well and ran around as usual, with a couple of good chances. He took his goal very well, an effort that went in off the post from just outside the centre of the box. He celebrated with new mate Mina after running back to point at the centre-back. “Told you I could actually kick it in the net”.
Kyle John (Jagielka, 78) – N/A
The youngster came on at right-back allowing Holgate to move into the centre of defence. He was positive going forward, looking to make things happen with fellow under-23 regular Anthony Gordon on the right-hand side.
Anthony Gordon (Kieran Dowell, 78) – N/A
The youngster was composed in possession and always looked to provide an option playing on the right-hand side of the attacking midfielders.
Nathan Broadhead (Lookman, 86) – N/A
Was made up to grab a goal on the goal-line with his shoulder, strangely, after coming off the bench late on.
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