GK Guglielmo Vicario
Had an outstanding game in midweek against Monaco, effectively preserving us a Champions League point, and was excellent again. One top class save from Beto’s overhead kick stood out. So, too, did another important save from an Iliman Ndiaye shot that deflected twice before reaching him. Vicario also dealt well with most of the corners and crosses that were put in. Impressive all-round display. Rating: 9
RB Pedro Porro
Made an important block from Beto in the first minute. The ball was shot straight at him but credit Porro for being in position to make the block. Industrious as usual. Provided good balance going forward as well. A perfect ball in for Micky’s second goal from the corner. Rating: 8
LB Djed Spence
Struggled a bit with Ndiaye at the beginning of the game but stood up to the challenge as time went on. Ndiaye’s much quieter second half says a lot about Spence’s performance, and the help he got from Brennan Johnson. Spence could do well to provide more going forward but is in good form defensively, which is of course the priority for his position. Rating: 7
CB Kevin Danso
Proving to be a very important signing, Danso is providing excellent cover while Christian Romero is out injured. He brings more than just squad depth, though, particularly with his ability in the air. Everton tested our defenders with high balls into the box and Danso consistently won his headers. Reliable. Rating: 8
CB Micky van de Ven
After saying for a few weeks that we should get more from Micky going forward, it was great to see him deliver 2 goals. This takes his tally to 5 for the season, which is impressive for his position, especially at this early stage. Aside from his threat at set pieces, van de Ven was commanding at the back. In line with Danso, he dealt comfortably with Everton’s attacks. Did not put a foot wrong and is our most important player at the moment. Superb. Rating: 10
CM João Palhinha
While Palhinha getting forward and scoring impressive goals as he has done in some games this season is obviously welcome, it is more this type of performance that shows how much he benefits the team. Palhinha was quietly everywhere, reading the game, making sure he was in the right position to stop opposition attacks. Rating: 8
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
Like last week vs Aston Villa, Bentancur got forward more, particularly in the first half. He headed (more accurately shouldered) the ball across to claim an assist for our first goal. Also, showed good technique for a shot just wide nearer to half time. Bentancur also worked well with Palhinha to break up Everton attacks. This is a partnership that some weeks shows a lot of promise and other weeks seems less certain. In the later stages of the game, there were times we looked potentially in trouble and Bentancur was able to keep the ball without panic. With 5 minutes left and surrounded by Everton players, he was able to keep the ball in midfield, play in Porro who then won a free kick. It’s not a moment that will always make highlights, but those instances are incredibly important, particularly in a game like this. Rating: 8
AM Xavi Simons
Started in the number 10 role again. Improved over last week, and again no lack of effort, but still could not influence the game enough. The struggle began in the first half where he was easily knocked off the ball by Michael Keane and then played a dangerous ball across his own goal which was bailed out by Vicario. We are still waiting to see the best of Simons as he adjusts to the Premier League. He needs games to do this and playing consistently in this position is the best way to move forward at the moment. Rating: 6
RW Mohammed Kudus
Great corner which led to the first goal. Kudus continues to be our best creative threat, even if he was quieter than previous games. I was surprised he was substituted as it seemed like he had plenty to offer. His ability to keep the ball is invaluable to us, particularly at the moment when it is not happening elsewhere in attack. Always looks to take people on, and even if this is not successful, he has the ability that makes us need to keep giving him the ball. Rating: 7
LW Brennan Johnson
Was barely seen in the first half. If Johnson is not scoring, he struggles to get involved and this was another one of those games, at least in an attacking sense. While not providing much on the ball, Johnson was effective off the ball in the second half tracking back to help Djed Spence and deserves credit for helping to stop Ndiaye. We need more threat going forward though and while Johnson did not provide this, he did an important job defensively. Rating: 5
CF Randal Kolo Muani
Everton dealt very comfortably with Muani and he struggled to get into the game before being substituted. Poor attempt to mark Jake O’Brien’s for Everton’s disallowed goal albeit he shouldn’t have been given the responsibility to mark a major aerial threat like O’Brien. This was a close call which could have changed the game at 1-1. Like Simons, Muani is our best option in attack at the moment and has ability. Needs games to see if he can adjust to the Premier League. Rating: 4
Substitutes: Richarlison, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Mathys Tel
Improved subs from Thomas Frank as helped to manage and steady the game. Richarlison again could not provide an attacking outlet to link play, but he had one opportunity that was saved and provided a perfectly placed assist for Sarr’s goal. Bergvall brought his usual poise and passing ability, which greatly helped the midfield. Sarr’s energy was needed when he came on. Sarr was able to cap his appearance with a goal as well. Tel replaced Johnson, just for the last few minutes. Ratings: Richarlison (6), Lucas Bergvall (6), Pape Matar Sarr (7) Mathys Tel (N/A)