Player Ratings – Everton
Jack Butland – 6
Couldn’t really fault him for the goal but not really called into any big action apart from this, done all the basics well as you would expect.
Mame Diouf – 6
Put in a good enough shift for a striker in right wing-back. Was good going forward and used the space he had well, although crossing could’ve been better with very few balls reaching a Stoke man.
Ryan Shawcross – 7
Your standard performance from Shawcross today, dealt with everything he needed to without any problems, easy stuff.
Geoff Cameron – 7
Another standard defensive performance, similar to Shawcross he dealt with everything he needed to and did well to fetch the ball out from the back, fits well into a back three.
Kurt Zouma – 7.5
Quality debut, looked so strong at the back and was at ease in dealing with Everton’s threats. Looked very comfortable on the ball and made some excellent balls forward which led to chances being created. Although was very lucky to get away with losing possession when he was the last man.
Erik Pieters – 5
A dodgy performance from Pieters, made some half decent runs forward that obviously didn’t lead to much and defensively the weakest player on the pitch, can definitely see Tymon stepping in very soon.
Joe Allen – 7
Picked up a silly yellow after speaking up to the referee even though the referee was in the right, could’ve done more to track rooneys run for his goal but came alive in the second half, covered the ground he needed to and got stuck right in, good work on and off the ball.
Darren Fletcher – 8 – MOTM
A really impressive debut, best player on the pitch for me, looked so comfortable on the ball in bringing other players into the game, certainly an upgrade on Whelan.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 8
Certainly our main danger when going forward, caused Everton problems with his pace and skill and was so unlucky in the closing minutes with a lovely strike that unfortunately Pickford was equal to, looks much more confident than last season, could be a big season for everyone’s favourite Swiss winger.
Bojan – 6
Didn’t do too much and went missing at times, rightfully subbed off but certainly should be giving more games to get into his rhythm.
Saido Berahino – 5
Struggled to get going, became more frustrated as the game went on with his only chance going well wide. Simply not good enough.
Maxim Choupo Moting – 6
Only had twenty minutes and is obviously not fully match fit but he looked a bright spark when he came on. Wasn’t scared to get the ball and drive forward, looking forward to seeing more of Maxim.
Peter Crouch – 5
Done what he was meant to do upon coming on, created a couple chances with his knockdowns and flick ons but was caught offside a good few times.
Overall it wasn’t a performance that deserved a loss but also didn’t deserve a win. With the vast majority being 6/7’s it shows that a draw would’ve been the fair result.
By Glenn Urwin
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