Michael Keane scored Everton's second goal
Michael Keane scored Everton's second goal
Everton returned to winning ways as despite having three goals disallowed for offside, as David Moyes went back to where it all began for him as Blues boss with a home victory against Fulham.
Thierno Barry, James Tarkowski and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall were all denied by the assistant referee’s flag but in the end a close-range strike from Idrissa Gueye in first half stoppage time following a penalty box scramble and late header by Michael Keane from a corner-kick secured the three points for the hosts against former gaffer Marco Silva. Although he’s still waiting for a first goal, Barry was also given a standing ovation for his efforts when he made way 15 minutes before the end.
Jordan Pickford 7
Other than a tame effort from former team-mate Alex Iwobi, he had little to do for the first hour but then stood up well to keep out an effort from substitute Rodrigo Muniz when called upon, blocking the shot with his leg and then saved well from Adama Traore late on.
James Garner 7
Moved to right-back, he had his hands full trying to deal with tricky Brazilian winger Kevin but went close with a curling 25-yard free-kick that Bernd Leno had to palm around the post.
Vitalii Mykolenko 6
Redeemed himself somewhat with his cross in the build-up to Gueye’s goal having seemed to panic a couple of times in the first half and maybe he didn’t get a shout but conceded an unnecessary corner when just hacking the ball out with nobody close by and then also hit a pass up field to nobody in particular.
James Tarkowski 7
Headed against the crossbar in the build-up to Gueye’s goal having earlier been denied a volleyed goal of his own through offside, he was typically robust.
Michael Keane 9
Dominant at both ends of the pitch, he headed in Everton’s crucial second goal, had a headed effort that led to Tarkowski’s disallowed goal while making some clever and crucial interceptions as well.
Idrissa Gueye 8
Netted the breakthrough from close range, his goal was a suitable reward for a determined display as he was able to get forward more often than late, showing some silk as well as his usual steel.
Tim Iroegbunam 7
Surprise inclusion, he played his part in the goal with a couple of contributions in the passage of play, the first more orthodox than his assist, he provided Everton with a different dimension in the engine room but was taken off soon after being booked.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
Looked lively again early on having been passed fit after being forced off at Sunderland, he was threat as both a finisher and creator, also working hard out of possession.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6
Provided the cross from the corner for Everton’s second goal, he displayed his passing range well and always kept plugging away, in and out of possession.
Jack Grealish 7
Was in a running battle with Kenny Tete and some of Fulham’s other players as he kept them on their toes, asking questions throughout.
Thierno Barry 7
His most encouraging display in an Everton shirt so far and was given a standing ovation as he left the field, he had his first shot on target early on and headed a lofted Ndiaye cross over the bar, looked more involved and even had the ball in the net but was offside.
Substitutes
Merlin Rohl (on 67 for Iroegbunam)
Encouraging outing of the bench as he continues to learn in the Premier League.
Beto (on 78 for Barry)
Job share continues.
Jake O’Brien (on 89 for Dewsbury-Hall)
Late introduction to see the game out.