Everton battled through a first-half VAR scare to secure a well-deserved draw against a spirited Aston Villa side.
The Toffees, who welcomed Abdoulaye Doucoure back into the side, were buoyed by a strong start in which they produced a string of half chances.
However, the constant ebb and flow of the clash saw the ascendency flip, before the hosts finished the half with a flourish. They should have led through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but also could have felt fortunate that an 18th-minute VAR call landed in their favour.
The second half seemed to devolve into a bitty affair, with a few tough tackles being thrown in to delight Goodison Park.
In the end, a draw seemed a fair result, in what Sky Sports’ feed suggested was the first in Unai Emery’s managerial career in England.
Here are our player ratings for Everton’s game vs Aston Villa…
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
Made a few solid saves in the first half and was quick to react to a number of balls in behind, cutting out danger. Enjoyed a quiet second half.
Seamus Coleman – 8/10
Defended so well against the threat of both wingers, in what was a record-breaking afternoon for the skipper. A model professional who seldom lets Everton down, and enjoyed a second-half battle with Youri Tielemans which resulted in the Belgian’s booking.
James Tarkowski – 6/10
Another warrior-like display from the 31-year-old, who got up and carried on after two nasty-looking blows to the head. Then proceeded to take his fury out on Alex Moreno in the corner with a perfectly timed tackle, much to the delight of Goodison Park. Until he was somehow booked.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7/10
A quiet and composed afternoon for the 21-year-old, who goes under the radar because of how quietly magnificent he is. Snuffs out danger for fun.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7/10
Backed up his pre-match praise with another confident display as he continued his resurgence in a royal blue shirt. Made one ridiculous late block to deny a certain goal. Fast becoming a fan favourite.
Amadou Onana – 8/10
One of the midfielder’s more accomplished recent displays, who did see his influence wane in the second half. Made some tremendous tackles, using his long legs to snag possession in typical Amadou Onana fashion, whilst also spraying the ball around too.
The £33m ‘metronome’, in the eyes of Dutch outfit HLN, dictated and destroyed in the midfield.
James Garner – 6/10
Saw a fine effort saved late in the first half, and remained as industrious as ever against a tough opposition midfield.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5/10
A surprisingly quiet display from the Toffees’ main man, who will be happy to have completed 90 minutes on his injury comeback. Finished well late on only to be flagged for offside.
Jack Harrison – 6/10
Helped push the team up the pitch and did his fair share of defensive work to help out Sean Dyche’s side. Always a reliable asset.
Arnaut Danjuma – 6/10 (Came off in 62nd minute)
Perhaps harshly substituted given he maintained the bulk of Everton’s attacking threat, but again goes missing far too often to be a mainstay. Could well be his last appearance with Lyon sniffing around.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 2/10 (Came off in 62nd minute)
Missed a one-on-one in the first half that he simply had to score, showcasing the outstanding downside he suffers from. Had a torrid afternoon as his goal drought drags on, and simply needs to find the net soon. His miss cost his side three vital points.
Substitutions
Beto – 4/10 (Came on in 62nd minute)
Had few touches and failed to offer a focal point up front.
Dwight McNeil – 4/10 (Came on in 62nd minute)
Somehow passed a fitness test to earn his place on the bench, but struggled to do much once on the pitch.
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