Everton suffered a 4-2 defeat to Brentford at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in what was a dreadful performance to start the new year.
Everton had a number of under-par performers across the pitch, and David Moyes was visibly frustrated on the touchline at the number of defensive errors.
The Toffees are contending with a lot of injuries and AFCON absences at the moment, so that clearly played a role in the disappointing result.
This was a dismal performance from Everton…
What did YOU make of it?😕
Many of the fringe players have come in over the last couple of weeks, and today they showed signs of rustiness and perhaps fatigue.
With that said, here are the player ratings for the Hill Dickinson Stadium clash.
Everton vs Brentford player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 5
Wasn’t helped at all by poor defending. Jordan Pickford was left exposed on multiple occasions and couldn’t really do anything about the goals.
Perhaps he could’ve come out and commanded his area better for the second goal, when Nathan Collins headed home from a corner.
Jake O’Brien – 4
Jake O’Brien is very much looking like a centre-back playing at right-back this season. The Republic of Ireland international offered nothing going forward and could be replaced in the January transfer window.
James Tarkowski – 4
James Tarkowski was uncharacteristically poor. He was all over the place and was really sloppy in possession.
Michael Keane – 4
Michael Keane has enjoyed a really productive season and looks completely rejuvenated after renewing his contract in the summer.
But, Keane was given the run around by Igor Thiago and, worryingly, looked like the inconsistent player he’s been in recent years.
Vitali Mykolenko – 4
It’s hardly surprising that Everton want to sign a new full-back this month, as Vitali Mykolenko’s lack of quality going forward was once again on show.
Mykolenko’s crossing was really poor.
Tim Iroegbunam – 3
Iroegbunam has been fantastic in recent weeks, but he was really poor against Brentford. The 24-year-old seriously lacks ability and composure on the ball at times.
James Garner – 6
James Garner has arguably been Everton’s best player this season, and despite the poor all-around performance, he can be somewhat pleased with his display.
The former Manchester United midfielder was constantly trying to get on the ball and make something happen.
Tyler Dibling – 4
Miles off it this afternoon. Tyler Dibling was dragged off at half-time after losing possession a whopping six times.
Dwight McNeil – 3
Dwight McNeil operated in the number 10 role, and it certainly goes down as a failed experiment. The former Burnley wide player looked completely lost, and his lack of mobility was evident.
Jack Grealish – 8
Jack Grealish assisted Beto and Barry’s goals and was the most likely player to create a moment, so it was a good performance from the Manchester City loanee.
If you were forced to pick a MOTM vs Brentford, who would you go for?
It would’ve been helpful if he had an overlapping left-back to link up with, though.
Thierno Barry – 6
Barry didn’t stop running all game, and his endeavour was finally rewarded in stoppage time with a well-taken headed goal.
Substitutes
Merlin Rohl – 2
A really poor substitute appearance, and he was at fault for the fourth goal. Merlin Rohl gave the ball away far too easily and Thiago completed his hat-trick.
Is that the worst individual performance from an Everton player this season? 😬
Toffees fans were furious at Rohl’s display and some are now urging the club to return him to Freiburg.
Beto – 8
Beto came on at half-time and partnered with Barry in a front two. He scored a quite brilliant header from a curling Jack Grealish cross and worked tirelessly to get Everton back in the game.
A good cameo.
Harrison Armstrong – 5
Only played the last 15 minutes, but immediately, you could see how well he covers the ground. Hopefully see more of him this month.
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