Everton went down 3-1 in the Barclays Asia Trophy final to a very impressive Arsenal side. But how did the Toffees’ players rate?
Players that impressed:
Luke Garbutt
The young full back followed fellow youngsters Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway with a confident and error-free match. The defender almost provided an assist when his top quality free kick was almost converted by Naismith, whose header was saved onto the crossbar by Petr Cech. His powerful long-range effort in the second half also brought the best out of the former Chelsea ‘keeper.
Gerard Deulofeu
The young Spaniard was the brightest spark once again for the Toffees in the first half, causing problems all down the right wing. His blistering pace saw him ease past defenders with the ball. But once again, his final ball in the last third let him down.
Ross Barkley
Coming on at half-time, Barkley added that extra attacking prowess to the Everton team, and scored an excellent solo goal to get the team on the scoreboard.
Players that disappointed:
Seamus Coleman
The Ireland international had a torrid time marking Theo Walcott, and was caught napping to allow the Arsenal forward to score the game’s opening goal. He almost gifted Olivier Giroud with Arsenal’s second when his miskick fell to the Frenchman, but fortunately he skewed his shot wide from 10 yards.
Arouna Kone
The striker struggled to test the Gunners’ defence and never really got involved in the game. A few touches here and there, and a glorious chance spurned in the second half at 2-0. But nothing to convince manager Roberto Martinez to start him against Watford on August 8th.
Full Everton Ratings
Joel Robles: 6
Seamus Coleman: 5
John Stones: 6
Phil Jagielka: 6
Luke Garbutt: 7
Gareth Barry: 6
James McCarthy: 6
Gerard Deulofeu: 7
Tom Cleverley: 6
Steven Naismith: 6
Arouna Kone: 5
Subs:
Kevin Mirallas: 6
Ross Barkley: 7
Romelu Lukaku: 6
Leon Osman: 6
Tyias Browning: N/A
Tony Hibbert: N/A
