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Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-1 Everton – Xhaka Scores First Safc Goal

Robin Roefs: 7/10

Was unsighted for the goal, leaving him no chance but was his reliable self otherwise. Made a good save low to his right late on and was very proactive in coming for balls into the box.

Trai Hume**: 6/10**

Looked a bit shaky in the first half, with Everton causing issues on his side of the pitch but improved as the game went on.

Nordi Mukiele: 8/10

Could have got closer to Ndiaye for the goal but was dominant defensively when we were under pressure, got forward to great effect too. Put in a good ball that Isidor should have done better with, threatened with his long throws and probably should have scored from Xhaka’s deep cross.

Dan Ballard: 8/10

Like most of his teammates, was a bit sloppy at the start of the game, getting out of position by being over eager to close down but was great in the last hour of the game. Made an extremely important interception when it looked like Beto might have been through.

Reinildo: 8/10

Despite the goal, which came from Ndiaye cutting inside, Reinildo did a really good job down his side of the pitch. Snuffed out most threats and always keen to get forward. Tracked back brilliantly late on to clear danger.

Granit Xhaka (C): 8/10

Scored his first goal for the club after a well struck deflected effort flew in and dominated midfield once the team got to grips with the visitors. Almost set up the winner with a peach of a ball onto Mukiele’s head but twice he almost let Everton in with sloppy passes.

Noah Sadiki: 8/10

Got very frustrated at the start of the game, getting himself booked after a rush of blood. Settled though and covered so much ground for the cause, showed loads of skill down the left when attacking and did great during Everton’s late break.

Lutsharel Geertruida: 8/10

Geertruida looked very calm and composed throughout the game, even when his teammates were struggling early on. Made a number of good tackles and was very good on the ball all night.

Bertrand Traore: 7/10

Was our best attacking outlet by far in the first half, causing all sorts of problems to Everton. Quieter after the break but still looked good on the right and tracked back to help out.

Enzo Le Fee: 7/10

Some really good touches around the box to create opportunities, made a half chance for Isidor with a good flick and his good run is what led to Xhaka’s equaliser.

Wilson Isidor: 6/10

Made himself a good half chance with a driving run but fired over and then got a better opportunity from Mukiele’s cross but snatched at his shot.

Substitutes

Chemsdine Talbi**: 6/10**

Plenty of effort in his time on the pitch but never got a chance to run with the ball.

Brian Brobbey: 6/10

Made some good runs but no luck up top.

Man of the Match: Granit Xhaka

Guilty of a couple of sloppy passes that set Everton away on two dangerous counter attacks, which his teammates did well to bail him out but we would have lost this game comfortably without his presence. A calming influence when we were struggling and then absolutely instrumental in the last hour when we were on top and looking for a winner. Scored his first goal for the club and deserved man of the match.

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