Crucial contributions from summer signings Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jordan Pickford ensured a 1-1 draw for Everton at Hajduk Split and progress to the Europa League group stages. This was a case of mission accomplished with Everton through and with tougher tests ahead.
As much as football can the most important, some things are more key. When the club announced in May that midfielder Aaron Lennon was receiving treatment for a stress-related illness, it brought into focus the human aspect and the pressures of the game. While the former Tottenham winger briefly featured in preseason, this game saw Lennon return to competitive action for the first time since February. It is great to have him back in an Everton shirt.
Although, Central midfield was non-existent in plain sight at the moment Josip Radosevic hammered the home side into the lead via a deflection off the unfortunate Leighton Banes. The first half also saw a continuous struggle to build attacks due to the absence of an attacking platform in the middle third of the pitch. With Idrissa Gueye rested as a precaution and James McCarthy perennially injured, it is clear why Ronald Koeman was so reluctant to let Gareth Barry exit the club.
GK Jordan Pickford, 7 — A watcher with the exception of two significant moments. There was a fine low save in the first half before the penalty save in the second. His brilliance is no longer a shocker.
DF Cuco Martina, 6 — Too passive in the early stages but improved after some excellent work out wide fashioned a headed chance for Wayne Rooney in the first half. Occasional moments of panic linger but performances are generally heading in the right direction.
DF Michael Keane, 7 — Does his job with such calmness that a lot of his work tends to go unnoticed. Aerial strength underlined by the fact the towering centre-back won more headers than the rest of the defence combined.
DF Ashley Williams, 8 — Much like Mason Holgate at Manchester City on Monday, one error should not distract from the majority of the remaining 90 minutes. A needless foul for the penalty was the sole blip in an impressive performance offering several timely tackles and blocks.
DF Leighton Baines, 7 — Strong in defence and providing a mix of intelligent passes and forward bursts in possession, the 32-year-old has started the season in fine form. Nonetheless, some cover in his position remains essential.
MF Morgan Schneiderlin, 7 — Occasionally weak in the opening minutes before gradually working his way up to speed and resuming normal service. With barely a pass wasted in the heart of the midfield, his upcoming suspension against Chelsea is a big loss.
MF Muhamed Besic, 6 — Unsurprisingly, there was plenty of rust on his first start in more than a year. Positional awareness needs fine-tuning but some fine raking passes behind the home defence helped smooth out the rough edges.
MF Ademola Lookman, 5 — Tough night for the youngster ended after a 45-minute outing in which the game mostly passed him by. In fairness, the general lack of cohesion among the team as a whole in the first half did not help his cause.
MF Gylfi Sigurdsson, 8 — Difficult to recall a better Everton goal than the one the club’s record-signing dispatched into the back of the net on his full debut here. Goal aside, his work rate and clever use of the ball stood out from the first whistle.
MF Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 6 — Disappointingly shunted out wide after his exploits through the middle against Manchester City on Monday, the young forward acquitted himself well but is much more promising in his preferred role.
FW Wayne Rooney, 7 — Too isolated in the lone striker role, a position that no longer suits his game nor benefits the team. As the match wore on, Rooney drifted into deeper positions and became more influential.
MF Aaron Lennon, 6 — His first involvement saw an early run and cross create a chance for Rooney, while his familiar industry strengthened the right flank.
MF Tom Davies, NR — Neat and tidy on the ball, completing all 20 of his attempted passes, and his usual energy helped Everton close out the match.
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