Everton recorded their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Southampton in a game that was largely comfortable for the Blues. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at how we rated the side that recorded the 3 points.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Jordan wasn’t required for large portions of the game as Southampton failed to threaten the net until later in the second half, but a spill to Danny Ings could’ve proved costly if the Saints striker converted from close range. Made several decent saves that would be expected but distribution was poor at times.
Seamus Coleman – 7
Almost perfect timing that Coleman received the armband on his 200th appearance, the Irishman recorded yet another tireless performance but several misplaced crosses could’ve made the result slightly more convincing if they had found their destination.
Mason Holgate – 7
Drafted in to deputise for Jagielka, Holgate slotted in effortlessly to the back line and registered a solid performance. Mason’s place in the team could be at risk with the introduction of Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma but the centre-back made his case as to why he should be starting every week.
Michael Keane – 7
Due to the style of Southampton’s excessive crossing and physical mentality, Keane was crucial in marshalling the back line, recording an impressive 5 aerial duels won. Kept Charlie Austin quiet all game and didn’t look exposed when partnered with the pace of Holgate.
Leighton Baines – 6
Relatively quiet performance from Leighton against James Ward-Prowse. When coming up against a quicker winger that focuses on dribbling more than crossing ability, could be exposed and lose his place to summer signing Lucas Digne.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6
Quite the turnaround from last season’s shambolic performances, Schneiderlin is slowly working his way back into the favour of the Goodison faithful but was halted by injury before the half-an-hour mark.
Idrissa Gueye – 8
Looking back on the £8 million spent on Gana compared to the current market, it seems remarkable that Koeman could secure such a good deal for a player that is ‘first name on the team sheet’ worthy. Constantly praised by all at Everton but no more than manager Marco Silva.
Richarlison – 8 (MOTM)
Obviously it’s very early to be looking back on the £40 million rumoured fee for the Brazilian, but the 21-year-old is doing his best to silence the critics with 3 goals in his first two matches for the Blues. Really looking like a quality acquisition under Marco Silva.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 8
Incredible what can happen when a player is played in his correct position instead of shoe-horned onto the left-wing. A complete performance form the number 10 and if he continues in this vain, the Icelandic maestro could be a mainstay for years to come.
Theo Walcott – 8
Some question marks have appeared for Theo’s place in the team with the arrival of Bernard but the winger recorded an extremely solid performance today against his old side. A goal and an assist could’ve been increased if it wasn’t for poor finishing or timing but the competition in the squad is seriously boosting the general quality across the team.
Cenk Tosun – 7
The stats may not suggest that Tosun had an excellent influence today but the Turkish forward’s hold-up play was crucial in forming the attacks that unlocked the Southampton defence.
Substitutes
Tom Davies – 6
Introduced early due to the injury of Morgan Schneiderlin but slotted in well without any major influence and produced an average display.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Required change due to Tosun’s hard-working performance but had no major impact.
Oumar Niasse – n/a
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