One Everton man gets a nine, with plenty of eights as the Toffees comfortably defeat Crystal Palace.
Everton secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, getting off to a perfect start as the Premier League returns.
A goal before half-time and after the break saw the Toffees enjoy a smooth ending, with Palace barely laying a glove on Everton in the second half.
The opening 45 minutes was a big welcome back to Premier League action for Jordan Pickford, who was forced to be on his game to prevent Palace from opening the scoring. His save from an Eddie Nketiah strike in particular has every chance of being one of the saves of the season already.
Palace didn’t threaten too often, but when they did, they looked incredibly dangerous. Everton looked more free-flowing in attack, with Iliman Ndiaye making things happen and Tyrique George constantly looking to take on his marker.
The Toffees opened the scoring as Harrison Armstrong won the ball back superbly as Palace looked to play out before picking out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the box. The former Chelsea midfielder worked the ball onto his left foot, before sending a curling effort into the top corner, giving Everton the lead.
It was a phenomenal strike from Dewsbury-Hall that launched the Hill Dickinson into pandemonium and sent the Toffees into the break 1-0 up.
REUTERS
REUTERS
After half-time, Everton looked in complete control and Palace rarely threatened. The Toffees doubled their lead after some clever thinking from Hayden Hackney saw him find Ndiaye down the line. He worked it onto his right before delivering a floated cross into the box, and Thierno Barry rose above his marker to head home.
Barry picked out Ndiaye just a few minutes later, but the Senegalese international’s thunderous strike was tipped over by Dean Henderson.
After that, it was a comfortable afternoon for Everton as they sailed to a 2-0 win in the opening game.
It was a fantastic performance from the Blues, and here are our player ratings for the game:
Jordan Pickford - 8
If it wasn’t for Pickford, Everton would have easily lost that game. We could have been at least two goals down by half-time if he didn’t make some phenomenal saves, and it would have been an uphill battle from there.
Outside of the excellent couple of saves, Pickford didn’t have a lot to do. England’s number one would have got a nine, but there was some situations when he could have taken the sting out of the game but decided to try counter-attack when it wasn’t really necessary.
Solid performance with some phenomenal sprinkles in there.
Merlin Rohl - 6
Probably Everton’s worst player, but it wasn’t a disastrous performance by any stretch. Maybe six is a little harsh, but Palace did get in behind down their left-hand side a few times.
There were certain times when he could have been a little more attacking and provided an option down the right, but he’s still getting used to the position.
Defensively average, but going forward better. Still our best right-back.
James Tarkowski - 7
Solid performance from Tarkowski. Nothing outrageous but also played a crucial role in helping Everton keep a clean sheet.
One mistake I remember distinctly, but it went unpunished. Outside of the error, Tarkowski was dependable at the back, and formed a strong partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jarrad Branthwaite - 8
An excellent performance from Branthwaite. Some really crucial blocks, helped us progress the ball from deep, and his usual calmness on the ball.
A few moments where it looked like he was going to go down injured and be substituted, but he powered through. Considering he’s not had a full pre-season, it was a fantastic performance from the defender.
Vitalii Mykolenko - 8
One of his best games for us. Palace had very little down his side, and although we could have seen more from him going forward, it wasn’t too necessary due to how well Tyrique George was playing.
Barely put a foot wrong on the ball and was defensively sound. A solid display and he deserves credit after plenty of criticism.
Hayden Hackney - 7
I think our midfield was a little open at times, which is why Hackney gets a seven. Maybe a little harsh again, but outside of the weaknesses, he was excellent on the ball and adds a bit of calmness and quality in the middle of the park.
Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters
I do think we could do with a bit more of a ball-winner in there, such as Christian Norgaard or James Garner, but Hackney filled in well in a deeper role.
Harrison Armstrong - 9
Everton’s man of the match, for me. 19 years old and was absolutely everywhere. Winning the ball high up the pitch and deeper, always looking to play positively, carrying the ball or picking out a pass.
He set up Dewsbury-Hall for the goal, and it wasn’t just his pass. The way he pressed to win the ball back in a dangerous area before picking out Dewsbury-Hall was superb. More defensive contributions than any player on the pitch.
Top, top talent.
Iliman Ndiaye - 8
Was slightly disappointed to see Ndiaye on the right-hand side, but he was excellent. Constant mazy runs, getting us out of trouble through his dribbling.
A fantastic assist for Barry, and he looked back to his best after a disappointing end to last season.
He’s a key part of a really exciting-looking attack at Everton.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 8
That goal, wow. Just an absolutely phenomenal finish. A really good game from him. Linking play from midfield to attack, and didn’t focus too heavily on the left-hand side like we usually see.
Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters
Again, another crucial cog in our attack. Kissing the badge when he scored, too. You can tell he just absolutely loves playing for Everton and adores being such a crucial player in the side.
Tyrique George - 8
There are moments when you watch George and think he’s being wasteful. Shots flying into the stands, poor crosses, dribbling into nowhere.
But, that’s not a criticism. Final product will come. What is so impressive is how positive he is every time he gets the ball. He only wants to make things happen. It won’t come off every time, but that’s fine.
Get this lad on the ball all the time, and things will happen. Exciting talent.
Thierno Barry - 8
Barry has really simplified his game. Countless times he received the ball to feet and quickly bounced it to a team-mate. Not trying to take everyone on, not trying fancy flicks. Incredibly simple but effective play.
This allows runners to go in behind when he drops deep, and allows us to bounce the ball around the opposition defence.
Nice header to round off a solid display. 15+ goals for the lad this season. He has to be our main man.