Everton ground out an impressive victory against Champions League chasers Southampton yesterday. Here’s our (subjective) look at how the Blues got on:
Howard: Much better from the American stopper, who has been heavily criticised of late after a below-par campaign littered with high-profile errors. Here, Howard kept Everton in the game several times with wonderful reflex saves to deny Graziano Pelle and James Word-Prowse- the first of which, a sprawling, clawed effort, may go down as one of the saves of the season. 8
Coleman: Another solid, if unspectacular performance from the Irish international right back. Coleman comfortably dealt with the dual threat of Elia and Bertrand, and then saw off the dangerous Mané, yet rarely contributed in the final third. Overall a good afternoon’s work from the 26-year-old, who still remains somewhat short of last year’s dazzling attacking performances. 7
Jagielka: A captain’s performance from the Sale-born defender, who marshalled his defence superbly and popped up with the decisive goal. The England stalwart repeatedly sniffed out danger and made made the most blocks, interceptions and clearances of any Everton player. Some Evertonians, including yours truly, have questioned Jagielka’s leadership credentials this season, but credit where it’s due: the Blues’ skipper has been a rock in recent weeks, and a key part in Everton’s revival. 8
Stones: Typically mature showing from the 21-year-old former Barnsley player, who routinely makes a mockery of Roy Hodgson’s decision to overlook him in favour of Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Initially struggled with Pelle’s physicality, but eventually got to grips with the Italian forward. Suffered numerous knocks to the head during the 1st half yet recovered well and was calmness personified, as usual, with the ball at his feet. 7
Baines: Defended competently against the pace of Shane Long and Nathaniel Clyne for the majority of the match, yet was restricted in an attacking sense and was beaten too easily by Long for Pelle’s golden chance. Still has the tendency to defend too narrowly, allowing opposition time and space in which to cross the ball, which remains something of an achilles heel against better opposition. Set piece delivery was better, thankfully, than in recent weeks, and played a part in the deciding goal. 6.5
McCarthy: Battled well and covered the ground superbly in an, at times, overly congested midfield. Was given more freedom in which to roam forward than of late and responded positively. Sloppy in possession at times, and still needs to influence the game more in the final third, but a vital cog in the Everton machine nonetheless. 6.5
Barry: Another whose place in the starting lineup has been brought into question by the Goodison faithful, Barry may not have started the game but for Darron Gibson’s latest injury relapse. A mobile and physical Southampton unit threatened to get the better of Everton’s midfield veteran, yet the former England international stuck to his task dutifully and made numerous telling interceptions. Occasionally gave the ball away in important areas, but always had the nouse and know-how needed to recover. 6
Lennon: A lively display full of energy and effort from the loan star. Troubled the impressive Bertrand more than others before him have done and always helped Coleman out defensively. Lennon’s final ball remains erratic, however, teams seem to fear his pace and this affords his teammates more space in key areas of the field. 7
Osman: Much-maligned before his injury, it’s no coincidence that Osman’s return to the side has helped bring about Everton’s recent revival. The Bellfield Academy product intelligently finds space in between opposition lines in a way that no other Everton player does, and always keeps the ball moving forward. The 33-year-old faltered in the second half as the away side pressed for a winner. 6.5
Barkley: Played with renewed confidence after his impressive England cameos and looked far more at home in his normal central attacking midfield role. Sought to provide the spark needed to unlock the resilient Southampton defence but was ultimately thwarted in his attempts to do so. Faded, like Osman in the 2nd half, although his substitution was perhaps premature and led to a chorus of boos from the Gwladys Street. This has been a disappointing season for the 21-year-old prodigy, but one that should be valuably formative in his development. Can still be a top, top player for years to come. 6
Koné: A poor showing from the former Wigan man, who failed to inspire confidence in his ability to lead the line in Lukaku’s absence. Neither held the ball up effectively nor offered a threat in behind the Saints backline, and rarely looked like troubling Kelvin Davis in the visitors’ goal. Needs to start getting on the scoresheet if he is to become a hit with the Goodison faithful. 4.5
SUBS:
Naismith: Little time to showcase his ability, but threatened in a way that Koné rarely did. 6
Besic: Brought on to shore up the midfield, yet gave the ball away too much for my liking. 4
