Everton delivered a promising performance, but were ultimately undone at the hands of Manchester City, who won 3-1 at Goodison Park.
The hosts had taken a lead into half-time through Jack Harrison, but a wonder strike from Phil Foden, a controversial penalty from Julian Alvarez and a late goal from Bernardo Silva consigned Sean Dyche’s side to defeat.
Although Man City were dominant on the ball, Everton pressed well at times, and were the happier of the two sides going into the break before the visitors came back to win.
Everton did have opportunities even after City went 2-1 up, but could not find the back of the net once the Champions had taken the lead, in what was a somewhat frustrating night at Goodison Park.
Nevertheless, there were positives to take from the performance, and despite the result, some players did put in strong performances for the Toffees.
Everton player ratings in Manchester City defeat
Jordan Pickford – 4/10
Made some strong saves and delivered several dangerous long balls, but ultimately threw away Everton’s chances of a comeback with a dismal error before Bernardo Silva’s goal.
Nathan Patterson – 7/10
Patterson delivered one of his best performances of the season as he coped well with Jack Grealish, and showed plenty of promising signs against tough opposition.
James Tarkowski – 7/10
A solid overall performance as he was involved in several crunching tackles. Particularly good in the first half.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 8/10
Another excellent display from Branthwaite, excelled on the ball and with his long passing whilst also dominating at the back with Tarkowski.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7/10
Solid, but unspectacular against top-class opposition in Foden and Bernardo Silva on his side.
James Garner – 8/10
Outstanding in a more advanced role in the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure. Added a physical presence in attacking areas and covered a lot of ground.
Amadou Onana – 6/10
Was unlucky to give away the contentious penalty with a handball. Overall a quiet display.
Andre Gomes – 6/10
Made his first start in nearly two years. Impressed at times going forward but clearly not fully fit. Overall could not get involved on the ball too much against Rodri.
Jack Harrison – 8/10
Outstanding in attacking areas, opened the scoring with a well-timed run into the box. Lively in attack all game and could have scored with a stunning outside-boot shot which was well-saved by Ederson.
Dwight McNeil – 8/10
Brilliant play to create Harrison’s goal and overall very strong on the ball. Another strong performance in what has been a fine campaign.
Beto – 5/10
Had a good work-rate for most of the game before running out of steam. Caused Manuel Akanji problems but struggled to keep hold of the ball.
The £26m signing is still yet to fully impress in an Everton shirt, and after being handed a start, he was initially lively before fading away in the second half.
Substitutions
Michael Keane – 5/10 (came on in 65th minute)
Failed to make a noticeable impact as Everton went to a more defensive shape when he came on for Gomes.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4/10 (came on in 65th minute)
Did not press with the same energy as Beto. Missed a huge chance to equalise at 2-1 down as he put a shot wide from close range. Overall a disappointing night.
Arnaut Danjuma – 5/10 (came on in 80th minute)
Replaced the outstanding Harrison but failed to make an impact on the game as Everton chased the lead.
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