Vitaliy Mykolenko
Vitaliy Mykolenko
Everton suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season as Pedro Neto’s second-half double earned Chelsea a 2-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson.
David Moyes’ side competed well before the interval but conceded just 43 seconds after the restart and never properly recovered.
Here are our Everton player ratings.
Everton player ratings v Chelsea
Jordan Pickford – 5
Made several useful saves, but will be disappointed Neto’s opener found a way past him at the near post.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5
Had a difficult afternoon against Jorrel Hato and was beaten on the outside in the build-up to the opening goal. Replaced soon afterwards.
James Tarkowski – 6
Relished the physical nature of the first half and produced a generally solid display at the heart of the defence.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6
Made some important interventions and was typically composed. Involved in the second-half collision which left Emi Martinez requiring lengthy treatment.
Vitali Mykolenko – 7
Everton’s best performer on his return to the side. Defended with assurance and created a good opening for Barry with an excellent delivery.
James Garner – 6
Worked hard and helped Everton compete in midfield. Could consider himself unfortunate that Morgan Rogers escaped a second yellow for a challenge on him.
Harrison Armstrong – 7
Another encouraging display. Competitive in midfield and produced an excellent goal-line clearance to deny Maxence Lacroix shortly before half-time.
Merlin Rohl – 6
Forced an early save from Martinez and later made a good block to deny Rogers. Plenty of effort without enough end product.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5
Struggled to impose himself as the game developed and Everton needed more from him in possession after falling behind.
Jack Grealish – 6
Forced Martinez into a good first-half save and created a clear headed opportunity for Barry. Influence diminished after the break.
Thierno Barry – 5
Had Everton’s best opportunities and failed to make either count. Headed straight at Martinez when unmarked before failing to convert Mykolenko’s delivery later in the half.
Substitutes
Tyrique George – 5
Introduced after 55 minutes but could not give Everton the attacking spark they needed.
Christian Norgaard – 5
A late replacement for Armstrong and picked up a booking.
Brennan Johnson – 5
Given only the closing stages and had little opportunity to influence the game.
Everton had enough good individual performances to compete before half-time, with Mykolenko and Armstrong particularly effective.
The difference was at either end. Barry could not punish Chelsea when Everton had their chances, while Neto did when his opportunities arrived.
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Gary is an experienced football journalist who has written for, among many others, BBC Sport and The Metro, and is now the editor of ReadEverton.com. He leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis as part of the dave.sport network. He also writes for ReadManCity.com, ReadMotorsport and ReadNorwich within the same network. When not writing, he enjoys a nice cold pint of Guinness and trips to the cinema ... not always at the same time.
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