Bernard Gets 8, Sigurdsson With 4.5 | Everton Players Rated From Their Defeat Against Man United | OneFootball

Following two successive defeats, both Everton and Manchester United were desperate to get back to winning ways at the Goodison Park. The early kick-off fixture was supposed to be engaging and decisive too, particularly for the under-pressure Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær following disastrous inception to their Premier League campaign.

Despite scoring early, the Toffees failed to defend the lead and United, who have enjoyed a stunning away record this year, staged a quick turnaround to secure a 3-1 victory in the blue half of Merseyside. It’s now three back to back defeats for Everton who were leading the league race in the initial weeks.

Below are the Everton players rated from their defeat against Manchester United.

Jordan Pickford: 5

Was dropped against Newcastle United but returned between the sticks this afternoon replacing Robin Olsen. However, the struggle continues for the English number 1 as he conceded twice in quick succession midway through the first half and almost cost his side a penalty as he spilt a simple cross and caught Harry Maguire while making the recovery. VAR decided not to award a penalty to Manchester United though and a couple of late saves kept the Toffees in contention to salvage something from the game.

Seamus Coleman: 5.5

Recovered from a hamstring strain suffered against Liverpool and replaced Jonjoe Kenny down the right-hand side of Everton’s ‘back four’. The experienced Irishman made a few promising overlapping runs, troubled Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe at times but was underwhelming defensively in terms of stopping crosses and breaking down counter-attacks.

Michael Keane: 5

Not at all convincing from the centre-half who failed to dominate in the air and often left space in the heart of the backline allowing the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial to have free runs.

Mason Holgate: 5

Returned after a long injury layoff and was often out of position leaving a lot of gap at the back. Looked vulnerable whenever the visitors were operating in Everton’s defensive half.

Lucas Digne: 6

Made some energetic runs down the left-hand flank, linked up well with Bernard but his poor decision-making led to wasted opportunities that cost them big time.

Abdoulaye Doucoure: 5.5

An afternoon to forget for the midfield general who failed to retain possession, looked lethargic while making the attacking transition and was wasteful in the closing minutes when Coleman placed the ball for him to shoot from just outside the box.

Allan: 5

Was rusty with his tackles, lacked composure and discipline, failed to win the midfield battle against the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay.

Gylfi Sigurdsson: 4.5

Another unimpressive display from the Icelandic playmaker as he neither contributed in the attacking half nor he offered enough work ethics to dominate a game of such stature. Was taken off to be replaced by Alex Iwobi midway through the second half.

James Rodriguez: 6

Was declared fit to face United but lacked the accuracy he usually brings in with his vision and range of passing. Made way for Cenk Tosun late in the match.

Bernard: 8

Started in place of the suspended Richarlison and was indubitably the most productive Everton player on the pitch. He scored early to earn them a lead and was a constant threat from the left with his swift footwork and smart link-up play.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6

A rare occasion when the Englishman failed to find the net. Although he played his part in forcing Victor Lindelof to make a mistake before Bernard’s strike, the English sensation was largely isolated for not having enough opportunities in the attacking third.

Substitutes

Alex Iwobi: 5.5

Made a couple of crucial defensive recoveries but offered little high up the pitch as he lacked enough creativity since replacing  Sigurdsson.

Cenk Tosun: 4.5

Never looked sharp. His touches and movements kept letting him down.