Everton player ratings vs Manchester United: George shines but deadline-day signing steals the show

Everton's unbeaten start to the Premier League season continued as a stoppage-time equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a 96th-minute stunner on debut, as the Blues twice fought back to level. Here is how we rated the Everton performances at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton player ratings vs Manchester United

Jordan Pickford — 6/10

Beaten by a brilliant Bryan Mbeumo strike, but will be disappointed not to have saved Benjamin Sesko's effort after getting a hand to it. Distribution was sketchy, with just 3/13 long balls completed.

Merlin Röhl — 5/10

Skipped past too easily by Marcus Rashford on multiple occasions as Manchester United found joy down Everton's right in the first half. Booked after the break for hauling down the United winger. Can’t fault his effort and there were some good moments going forward, including a wicked cross that Barry should have buried. But he’s not a right-back, and that showed against top-level opposition.

James Tarkowski — 7/10

A goal-saving challenge to stop Matheus Cunha from making it two was a sliding-doors moment in the game. Another block moments later from Youri Tielemans was typical Tarkowski, although he lost Benjamin Sesko for United's second.

Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite - 8/10

Excellent clearance from a dangerous Rashford delivery. Performed heroics late in the first half with a perfectly timed last-ditch challenge on Rashford and immediate defensive block.

Left-back: Vitaliy Mykolenko - 5/10

That there is no alternative to Mykolenko at left-back should be a massive concern. Unconvincing defensively and limited again going forward. One fake-shot turned giveaway of possession summed up a substandard afternoon.

Right-wing: Brennan Johnson - 5/10

Booked for a scything challenge on Matheus Cunha having allowed the midfielder run off him. Should have done more to get on a teasing Dewsbury-Hall delivery not long after the Blues fell behind. Largely ineffective before being brought off.

Midfield: Harrison Armstrong - 6/10

Worked hard throughout for little reward. Found it difficult to impose himself against United's midfield, particularly in the opening stages. Booked early and subsequently had to be careful.

Midfield: James Garner - 7/10

A really good first half from Garner who scuttled around in trademark fashion, putting out fires in the midfield. Tired after the break before going down injured. Let’s hope it’s not serious.

Midfield: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6/10

Often looks Everton’s likeliest avenue in the final third. Should have done better with several shooting chances, with more than one tame effort failing to trouble Senne Lammens.

Left-wing: Tyrique George - 8/10

What a hit. A first-ever Everton goal for Tyrique George and what a way to open his account. A rocket from the summer signing who was a real positive. Had the beating of Diogo Dalot on several occasions. Deserves credit for one excellent recovery challenge on Bryan Mbeumo to stop a Manchester United counter.

Forward: Thierno Barry - 6/10

Isolated for much of the opening period, but had to do better with his headed chance late in the first half. Some great footwork on the edge of the area created a good shooting chance after the break, but another game goes by where he’ll feel he could have done more. 

Substitutes:

Jack Grealish - 7/10

Demanded the ball from minute one and there was audible uplift whenever the ball was in his possession. His presence makes a difference to this team. Some weren’t sold on his return but Grealish is a level above Everton’s other frontline options.

Hayden Hackney - 7/10

Helped change the game. So positive, always looking forward. Hackney made his own fortune with his assist for the first equaliser in a fantastic cameo. Has put his hand up for more minutes.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 8/10

Dream debut. Maitland-Niles could probably not even have dreamt up that equaliser last night. A stunning hit from the deadline-day signing that will live long in the memory.

Carlos Alcaraz — 6/10

Limited time to make a major impact but contributed to the late attacking push.

 

 

---

Reader Comments (4)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

How to get rid of these ads and support TW