Everton opened their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Watford. Here are Read Everton’s player ratings for the boys in blue:
Tim Howard– Tim could do little about both goals, although I may be a tad harsh and say that he could have got down earlier for Watford’s second. The American has been criticised by the Everton fanbase for a while now, due to his questionable form, but he didn’t do an awful lot wrong today. 6
Seamus Coleman– What sets Coleman apart from other right-backs is his rampaging, offensive play, but against Watford he was somewhat a blunt force. His crossing was poor and was regularly running down blind alleys due to a combination of poor decision-making and a lack of support. His defensive work was okay, but he could have done better for Ighalo’s goal. 5
John Stones– The Chelsea Everton centre-back didn’t seem distracted by speculation as he turned in an assured, solid performance. A couple of good blocks, some fine tackles and sharp distribution were the cornerstones of the 21-year-old’s display. Again, he could’ve done better with Watford’s second as he sold himself by diving in too early, but in retrospect it was a good display by Stones. 7
Phil Jagielka– Everton’s captain had some nervy moments and was almost caught in possession a few times, but his ability to sniff out danger bailed the Blues out on a number of occasions. He wasn’t on top of his game and contributed to the woeful tempo in the first half, but all-in-all an okay display from the veteran. 6
Brendan Galloway– Galloway was asked to fill in at left-back after Leighton Baines picked up an injury in training on Friday, and while he did his best to get forward and make an impact, he doesn’t bring the have the same offensive qualities that his Baines possesses, primarily because he is a centre-half. Assured on the ball, Galloway carried out his defensive duties well before he was replaced by Arouna Kone on the hour mark. 6
James McCarthy– Didn’t mark his bumper new deal with a great performance. Ran around tirelessly as you’d expect but his distribution was off and he was caught in possession a couple of times, which is unlike him. McCarthy needs to play his way to top form sooner rather than later, his importance to Everton cannot be overstated. 6
Gareth Barry- Barry broke up the play well and was clever with his distribution, but his lack of pace hindered him once or twice. Coped well when moved to left-back. Some of the stick he gets is undeserved. 6
Ross Barkley– A lively performance from the young starlet, who combined frustration with inspiration. Some poor passes, some great pieces of skill, his afternoon was capped by a wonderful driven effort to open his account for the season. Hopefully the goal will be a welcome confidence boost for Ross, the talent is there but the mental side of his game needs a lot of work. Big season for the local lad. 7
Kevin Mirallas– Looked a genuine threat and Everton’s only creative outlet for large periods. Mirallas always looked to make things happen when given the ball, but could’ve carried out his defensive duties with a little more vigour. Let’s hope his injury isn’t serious, it was a bright, positive display from the Belgian. 6
Tom Cleverley–A neat and tidy display from Cleverley, who was filling in on the left. Energetic and shrewd with his use on the ball, the former Villa man delivered a few dangerous balls into the box but doesn’t have the pace or direct attitude to be a real force from the wing. A solid display nonetheless. 6
Romelu Lukaku–Lukaku was passed fit to the delight of Evertonians, but rarely threatened the Watford goal. The 22-year-old was caught offside a number of times and perhaps should’ve scored with a header early in the second half. His touch regularly evaded him but was also bereft of good service, especially in the first half. 5
SUBS:
Arouna Kone– There were jeers emanating from the Goodison crowd when the image of Kone was displayed on the big screens, but jeers turned to cheers as Kone turned in a man-of-the-match performance. He battled for the ball, linked up play astutely, set up Barkley for his stunning equaliser and grabbed a goal himself, with a neat finish. His presence made Everton a much bigger threat going forward. More of the same next week, Arouna! 8
Bryan Oviedo- It was nice to see Oviedo in an Everton shirt, but he’s a left-back, not a left-winger. Rarely got the better of Nyom, didn’t get many opportunities to cross, didn’t make a real impact. 5
Steven Naismith– Came on with a few minutes to go, looked lively and almost had a chance to win it at the death but wasn’t on long enough to influence proceedings. N/A
