Player Ratings & performance review
Pickford 7 – Didn’t have much to do in the game apart from picking the ball out of the net twice. Unlike the Villa game where I thought he could have done more on both goals, he had no chance with either of the Lincoln City goals. Almost got an assist when he picked out Moise Kean just inside the Lincoln half and the youngster went on a run that ended up with him crashing a shot against the upright.
Needlessly got himself involved in the scuffle that followed on from Gylfi converting his penalty.
Sidibe 7 – making his debut for Everton at Right back and in for Seamus Coleman, Sidibe had his opportunity to stake a claim for a premier league starting spot. Was a tricky game to come in to and I thought he was solid in his defensive work though possibly should have done better on the second goal and reduced the space allowed & been able to block the shot but on the whole he did ok.
Was a bit disappointed in his attacking contributions as he never really looked to drive on to the byline and get crosses over or attack the half space – was happy playing the ball back to Schneiderlin a lot. Had a significant amount of passes more than Lucas Digne however had 0 key passes in the match vs 4 from Digne which I think supports the view that offensively he wasn’t great. I don’t think Seamus Coleman owners should be too worried at this stage about Coleman losing his place to Sidibe and barring injury, he probably won’t start again until the next round of the league cup imo.
Keane 7 – Decent game from Keane who was excellent with his passing (95%) and won 82% of his aerial duels. Possibly partly at fault for the 2nd Lincoln goal when he won a header but just put it straight back up in the air for the Lincoln player to slam home with an outrageous finish.
Holgate 7 – Had a few shaky moments in the first half where his positioning got him in a bit of difficulty but on the whole Mason did well after coming in at left sided centre half in place of Yerry Mina. Do worry about our defence if we need him for a prolonged period but Mina will start v Wolves and Mason will no doubt get another opportunity v Sheff Wed in the next round.
Digne 9 – Quality all game through. Winning tackles, providing key passes, dominating play on the left hand side and urging on his team mates throughout. Scored an absolute beauty of a free kick and got a cracking assist with a peach of a cross that Richarlison buried. His crossing and Evertons in general was much better than in previous games.
Man of the Match
Schneiderlin 7 – Solid game from Morgan who did well in winning the penalty that put us ahead in the game for the second time. Had a pass completion rate of 93% and made 69 accurate passes. Was key in keeping the momentum of our passing moving and did so with more urgency than normal.
Delph 7 – another player making his first start for the blues after coming in for Andre Gomes and Fabien was quietly impressive. Kept things ticking over and was quick to be vocal with the opposition or ref if it was needed. I like that and we need that.
Kept possession well and played some really good passes over the defence and out to the wings on a number of occasions. Will offer a good alternative to Andre Gomes and give us the option to play
4-3-3
Sigurdsson 9 – Gylfi was back to being Gylfi. He bossed the game for the blues and was back to creating chances from open play and set plays. Had a passing completion of 90% with 6 key passes in there and had 4 shots at goal. Took 8 corners in the game which had an accuracy of 63%.
Dispatched his penalty with the ice cold nerve that he usually shows from the penalty spot away from Home for Everton.
Could easily have been Man of the Match but would have been harsh on Lucas Digne for him to not get it after his all action display and outstanding goal & assist. Nevertheless I saw enough from Gylfi to reconsider removing him from my FPL team given that Everton next play Wolves, Bournemouth and Sheffield Utd.
His minutes are now under real threat given we have more options in attack and Midfield than last season but I think the decision to make him captain in this game was an inspired one and Gylfi will be feeling much better about things after last nights performance.
FPL points will be just round the corner from him I think so I am holding for the next 3 games at least.
Richarlison 7 – Richy is starting to show gradual improvement in his performances and is slowly getting back to his old self. Was a constant threat throughout the game to the Lincoln defence but a lot of things were not quite coming off for him. He was as good as any Everton player in terms of tackles won (4) and dribbles (4) and he improved his pass accuracy up to 71%. Passing is very much an area of his game he needs to improve but he was involved in most of the Everton attacks as part of the build up. Interchanged positions well with Moise Kean whenever Kean pulled out wide and he had a good chance in the 1st half but put his chance wide. Got on the end of a delicious Lucas Digne cross to bury a header in the second half and make the game safe with Everton’s 4th goal.
Iwobi 8 – Another good showing from Iwobi who was a constant menace and got a goal his performance deserved and could have easily got 2 after almost converting a chance he very much fashioned himself with his ball carrying prior to his goal.
I would like to see Iwobi start against Wolves but I think Marco will play it safe with Bernard but in my view Iwobi is far more dangerous and should be given the start.
Kean 7 – The young lad has clearly got talent. Always running, twisting, turning and looking for space. Was a tough introduction for him coming up against a team that was heavily camped in their own half for the majority of the game but I thought the youngster showed a lot of potential and could have scored after a good direct run ended up with him crashing a shot into the upright.
Could possibly be in line for a start against Wolves but he was withdrawn on 74 minutes with the score at 2-2. Like Iwobi, I would start him v Wolves but I think Marco will start DCL and use Moise Kean from the bench.
Tosun 8 – Came on with DCL on 74 minutes and made a nuisance of himself without doing a great deal but when a cross came over from the right and most players would have gone for goal, Cenk inteligently picked out Iwobi in the centre of the goal who in turn nodded home to put the Blues back in front. I am giving him an 8 just for that inelligent, unselfish piece of play that a lot of our players (especially Richarlison) could learn from.
DCL 6 – came on with Cenk and put himself about and kept play ticking over. No stand out moments though for DCL.
Walcott 5 – Came on for Iwobi on 82 mins and could have slipped Richy in easily with the score at 4-2 but shock horror didn’t and wasted a good opportunity. Don’t recall him doing anything else.
Match Stats
25% Ball possession 75%
9 Total shots 24
4 Shots on target 8
1 Shots off target 9
4 Blocked shots 7
4 Corner kicks 10
3 Offsides 0
10 Fouls 5
4 Yellow cards 3
2 Big chances 3
1 Big chances missed 1
0 Hit woodwork 1
0 Counter attacks 2
5 Shots inside box 18
4 Shots outside box 6
4 Goalkeeper saves 2
191 Passes 576
128 (67%) Accurate passes 501 (87%)
21/57 (37%) Long balls 45/70 (64%)
6/16 (38%) Crosses 9/30 (30%)
9/18 (50%) Dribbles 16/21 (76%)
10 Dispossessed 8
45 Duels won 63
18 Aerials won 20
7/13 (54%) Tackles 9/19 (47%)
13 Interceptions 8
37 Clearances 17
FPL Asset Summary
Coleman – not at risk yet
Mina – Will be back v Wolves
Digne – My left back is just sheer quality don’t even contemplate selling
Siggy – confidence boosting performance from Siggy who may well be about to reward those who keep the faith
Kean – Good performance but likely to be back on the bench v Wolves
Iwobi – really good again just like vs Villa in his sub appearance. Pushing hard for a prem start now but I think Bernard will still start v Wolves after being left out the squad altogether v Lincoln.
DCL – came on at 74 minutes but wasn’t too involved. If you still have him sell him as Kean is breathing down his neck for his minutes.