Everton U21s were left frustrated after Sunderland came from behind to snatch all three points at Walton Hall Park.
Braiden Graham was left searching for opportunities to get himself involved in the game, but Paul Tait’s side did not possess the finishing touch.
Just days on from the capitulation against Burnley at Finch Farm, Everton have cost themselves more valuable points in the Premier League 2.
Everton’s U21s have been decimated with players departing for loan stints in the men’s game and that showed on Friday evening.
Many Everton fans want to see Braiden Graham make his senior debut, but Friday evening showed just how far the 18-year-old still is from that level
Where do you stand on Braiden Graham… would you give him his debut? 🎯
The Toffees now have a week off until their next outing against Southampton down on the south coast.
- READ MORE: Everton U21s drop points again in 2-1 Sunderland loss as Braiden Graham endures frustrating night
Douglass Lukjanciks – 6
After a solid start on Monday with the U21s, Douglass Lukjanciks will not want to watch Sunderland’s opening goal back in a hurry.
He did bounce back well from that goal and kept the Young Blues in the game with some solid second-half stops.
Odin Samuels-Smith – 5
Did not offer a great deal in attack and was dragged away from his position during the first half.
Which player do you think could be next to shine in Everton’s first team? 🤩
There's some really exciting youngsters currently at Finch Farm 🔥
Reece Welch – 5
Pulled right out of position for Sunderland’s equaliser after Everton’s midfield was completely bypassed.
Aled Thomas – 5
Showcased his wand of a left foot from Everton’s corners, which was capitalised on by Demi Akarakiri.
However, he was the man to concede the penalty after a short pass from Callum Bates.
Joshua Van Schoor – 6
Probably the pick of the defenders as he provided an attacking outlet as the Young Blues pushed for an equaliser.
Callum Bates – 5
Paul Tait waxed lyrical about Bates following the draw against Burnley, but he really sold Aled Thomas short with his backwards pass that resulted in the Sunderland penalty.
Demi Akarakiri – 7
Scored the only goal for the Blues and he took his finish extremely well.
Kingsford Boakye – 7
Coming into the game on the back of a goal against Burnley, Kingsford Boakye had the beating of his man all night long. Should have scored in the first half, though.
On a night when Everton struggled on the whole, Boakye was a bright spark, but he did lack that finishing touch.
Malik Olayiwola – 5
Paul Tait was frustrated with Francis Gomez on Monday after he should have been sent off against Burnley, which saw Malik Olayiwola retain his spot.
Often found himself falling into a congested area in the middle of the pitch.
Coby Ebere – 5
Squandered a golden opportunity in the second half to level the score. Aside from that, the winger was fairly ineffective.
Braiden Graham – 6
The first 45 minutes was really frustrating for Graham as he barely had a touch of the ball.
At times, Graham ended up taking on the Harry Kane role, where he was dropping so deep and acting as the quarterback spraying passes across the pitch. But it was not effective.
Looked considerably better in his 20-minute spell on the left-wing.
Substitutions
Shea Pita – 6
Entered the game with about 20 minutes left and provided a positive, attacking attitude.
Francis Gomez – 5
Sloppy on the ball. Did not prove Tait’s decision to bench him wrong.
Ceiran Loney – N/A
Luca Davis – N/A
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