Everton completed a miraculous comeback to defeat Tony Pulis’ West Brom 3-2 at the Hawthorns.
Who shone for the Blues, and who flattered to deceive? Here’s our assessment of how Martinez’s men fared in the Black Country.
Howard
Harsh? Maybe a tad. But the American was beaten twice and naively threw the ball out to under-pressure Funes Mori for Berahino’s goal. Rooted to the spot when he should really have come to claim Brunt’s corner in his six-yard box as the home side doubled their lead. 5
Browning
Offered little going forward and failed to track Berahino’s run for the opening goal. No doubt much better at centre half on this showing. 5
Jagielka
Marshalled the defence well for the most part, but slightly suspect for the second goal in terms of his reading of the play. Always looks more composed with Stones alongside him, which speaks volumes about the absent 21-year-old centre-back’s class. 6
Funes Mori
Handed his first league start in light of Stones’ enforced absence, and grew into the contest despite giving the ball away for West Brom’s opener. Tellingly, Mori did improve in the second half, with the Argentine displaying a pleasing aerial prowess sorely lacking in some of his teammates. Should really be afforded time to settle before we make definitive judgements as to his ability as a Premier League defender. 6
Galloway
Gets better and better with each passing week to such an extent that Leighton Baines will now have a real fight on his hands to regain his regular spot on the left of Everton’s defence. Reading of the game- evidenced by his crucial block at 2-1- belied his tender years, as did his confidence on the ball. Rarely gets beaten in one-on-one situations and regularly stops crosses coming into the Blues box. Man of the Match, in my book. 8
Barry
Seemed to have picked up where he left off (at Reading) by delivering a composed performance in the early part of the match, yet must take responsibility for the stray ball that the hosts seized upon for Berahino’s goal. Shame, as he’s been much improved at the start of this campaign . 5
McCarthy
Typically industrious display from McCarthy. The Irishman denied space in front of the much-changed Toffees defence, pressed well and filled in admirably at right-back without ever totally getting the game by the scruff of the neck. 6
Barkley
A night where things failed to spark for the immensely gifted midfielder. Wasted a great chance to give the Blues the lead from Deulofeu’s precise first half cross and didn’t, in truth, have the same influence as in recent weeks. Also lost Dawson for Albion’s second. By no means vintage Barkley. 6
Naismith
Usual committed performance from the Scot, yet another reminder that he probably lacks the technical quality to be a regular starter in this Everton side. Gave the ball away regularly in the first period and once again lent credence to the belief that he’s wasted in a left-wing role. Saying that, decent run cleared room for Lukaku’s first. Naismith will remain an important part of Roberto Martinez’s squad if he’s used in the right way. 5
Deulofeu
Dazzling wing display from the returning Catalan, whose exceptional arrowed deliveries from wide areas resulted in two goals for the Blues. Seems a more mature player following his loan spell at Sevilla, and also worked tirelessly for the team. Absolutely has to be a regular starter on this form. 8
Lukaku
Virtually anonymous in a below-par first half. Completely turned it round after the break, however, assisting one and netting two in a dominant second period. Powerful header, coupled with superb slide rule pass for Koné’s goal hint at extra facets in Lukaku’s game that we need to start seeing on a more consistent basis. Still Everton’s main source of goals, and a key component in how Martinez is trying to play, regardless of what his detractors say. 8
SUBS:
Koné
Will probably feel disappointed not to have started the game after a decent displays over the last month, yet had a huge impact off the bench and played a significant role in Everton’s fightback. Excellent low finish for the equaliser, held the ball up well and, importantly, allowed Lukaku the space in which to thrive. Inspired substitution from Martinez. 7
Gibson
Brought on to add greater quality on the ball in midfield, and did just that. Intelligent distribution helped Everton gain a foothold in final third. 6
Lennon
Little time in which to impress. Looked dangerous with the game stretched, but may have to settle for a place on the bench in Sunday’s derby after Deulofeu and Koné excelled. 5
