Player Ratings: Doucoure and Dobbin Seal Win for Everton

EPL Index

·10 December 2023

Player Ratings: Doucoure and Dobbin Seal Win for Everton

Everton’s Resurgence Continues with Stellar Win Over Chelsea

In a match that was pivotal for Everton’s Premier League survival hopes, they pulled off a stunning 2-0 win against Chelsea at Goodison Park. This result not only provided a significant morale boost but also created a four-point cushion from the relegation zone.

Striking First, Holding Strong

Everton’s tactical masterclass began to unfold in the 54th minute when Abdoulaye Doucoure, a former Watford midfielder, seized the moment. Following a save from Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez against Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s shot, Doucoure was spot-on to pounce on the rebound, giving Everton a well-deserved lead. This strike set the tone for the remainder of the match, with Chelsea struggling to find a rhythm in response.

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As the match approached its climax, 20-year-old substitute Lewis Dobbin added a second goal for Everton. This marked his first senior goal for the club, a moment of individual brilliance that underscored his potential and Everton’s depth in talent.

Chelsea’s Woes Deepen

For Chelsea, this loss marked their second consecutive defeat in the Premier League, leaving them in a worrying 12th position. The match was a clear indicator of their current struggles, with the team unable to mount a significant challenge against a determined Everton side.

Key Tactical Shifts and Player Performances

Everton’s strategy was evident from the outset. Manager Sean Dyche’s decision to bring in James Garner in place of Seamus Coleman was a move that paid dividends. On the other side, Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino made several changes, including starting Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Benoit Badiashile, and Armando Broja, but these alterations failed to produce the desired impact.

In a game of contrasting styles, Everton’s defence stood firm against Chelsea’s attack-heavy approach. Notable performances from Everton’s players like Jordan Pickford, Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Doucoure himself played a significant role in this crucial victory.

Everton’s Road Ahead

This victory not only boosts Everton’s chances of staying up in the Premier League but also serves as a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen under Dyche. With renewed confidence, Everton looks set to face their upcoming challenges with a rejuvenated spirit.

Everton’s victory over Chelsea was marked by a series of standout performances, leading to a well-deserved 2-0 win. Here’s a breakdown of how each player fared in this crucial match.

Everton Player Ratings:

Jordan Pickford (GK): 7/10 – Made crucial saves, showing why he’s Everton’s number one.
Ashley Young (RB): 4/10 – Struggled against pace, substituted early.
James Tarkowski (CB): 7/10 – A rock in defence, organizing effectively.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB): 7/10 – Recovered well from an early scare to put in a solid performance.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (LB): 8/10 – Stellar in defence, nullifying Chelsea’s wing play.
Jack Harrison (RM): 6/10 – Industrious on the wing, narrowly missing a goal.
Idrissa Gueye (CM): 5/10 – Defensive-minded, but hindered by an early booking.
James Garner (CM): 6/10 – Provided a stable midfield base.
Dwight McNeil (LM): 8/10 – Excellent on the left, crucial in the build-up to the opener.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (AM): 8/10 – Scored the crucial first goal, a threat throughout.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST): 7/10 – Worked tirelessly, key in the first goal.

Substitutes: Nathan Patterson, Amadou Onana, Beto, Lewis Dobbin – All made positive impacts off the bench.

Chelsea Player Ratings:

Robert Sanchez (GK): 6/10 – Decent in goal, but could not stop Everton’s strikes.
Reece James (RB): 6/10 – Solid until an injury forced him off.
Axel Disasi (CB): 5/10 – Looked shaky at times, especially for Everton’s first goal.
Benoit Badiashile (CB): 6/10 – Composed but had moments of vulnerability.
Marc Cucurella (LB): 6/10 – Active but caught out of position for the first goal.
Moises Caicedo (CM): 5/10 – Lacked creativity and defensive solidity.
Enzo Fernandez (CM): 5/10 – Controlled possession but lacked end product.
Cole Palmer (RW): 6/10 – Tried to create, with limited success.
Conor Gallagher (AM): 6/10 – Active in midfield but lacked goal threat.
Mykhailo Mudryk (LW): 6/10 – Threatened initially, faded as the game progressed.
Armando Broja (ST): 5/10 – Limited impact in the attacking role.

Substitutes: Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling – Struggled to make a significant impact off the bench.

In Conclusion

Everton’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea is a beacon of hope and a demonstration of strategic prowess in their fight for Premier League survival. The team’s collective effort and individual brilliance were on full display, painting a picture of a squad that is more than capable of holding its own against the league’s top sides.