Goodison View: Everton Ratings vs Brighton – 2/10 Liability Falters, New Signing Shines as MOTM with 9/10

Jack Harrison’s early goal was disallowed for offside, and while Everton started brightly, they failed to capitalize on their chances.

 

 

They fell behind when Kaoru Mitoma scored after Yakuba Minteh had outpaced Vitalii Mykolenko on the left.

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was awarded a penalty just after halftime for a challenge by Lewis Dunk, but Simon Hooper overturned the decision after a VAR review.

 

A subsequent appeal for a handball by Dunk was also rejected.

 

Danny Welbeck took advantage of an error by Idrissa Gana Gueye to double Brighton’s lead in the 56th minute.

 

The game was effectively ended 10 minutes later when Ashley Young was sent off for a last-man foul on Mitoma.

 

Simon Adingra then added a late third goal, and Yasin Ayari had a fourth ruled out for a narrow offside.

 

Here’s how the Everton players rated out of 10 for their performances at Goodison Park:

 

Jordan Pickford – 6

 

Pickford had little preparation after his Euro 2024 run with England, which showed as he was slow to get into the game.

 

He was beaten by Joao Pedro’s shot that hit the post shortly before the ninth-minute tribute to Toffees legend Kevin Campbell.

 

He conceded two goals that he had little chance to stop but improved in the latter part of the game as Brighton increased their pressure. His performance in the final half-hour prevented a heavier defeat.

 

Ashley Young – 3

 

Young, the oldest player on the pitch, was decent early on, combining reasonably well with Harrison.

 

However, his red card for a last-man foul on Mitoma ended any hope of a comeback and created a selection headache for Sean Dyche, with Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman already injured.

 

Young’s inability to cope with Mitoma proved costly, and he added to his track record of unreliable performances in critical moments.

 

James Tarkowski – 6

 

Tarkowski was involved in the thick of the action while the game was competitive.

 

He escaped an early penalty appeal when Pedro went down in the box and headed a chance onto the roof of the Brighton net.

 

Tarkowski made several crucial blocks to keep Everton in the game.

Michael Keane – 6

 

Keane, starting due to Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury and with new signing Jake O’Brien on the bench, wasn’t heavily tested until the game was beyond saving.

 

He didn’t play a major role in the defensive issues but couldn’t do much to rectify the situation.

 

Vitalii Mykolenko – 4

 

Mykolenko struggled, highlighting why left-back has been a priority for Leeds in the transfer market. He was easily beaten by Minteh for the opener and was involved in a collision that led to the winger being substituted for a concussion check.

 

His final ball was poor, and he was again beaten down the flank for the disallowed fourth goal.

 

Idrissa Gana Gueye – 5

 

Gueye’s performance was mixed; he was effective in disrupting play early on but made a crucial error after the break.

 

His poor pass in midfield allowed Welbeck to score, doubling Brighton’s lead.

Tim Iroegbunam – 9 (Man of the Match)

 

Iroegbunam delivered an impressive debut with a strong all-round midfield performance for about an hour.

 

He was aggressive in winning possession and looked comfortable on the ball. His involvement in winning a loose ball that led to the penalty showed his impact.

 

Despite fading towards the end as the team fell apart, he was the standout player on the day.

 

Jack Harrison – 7

 

Harrison was lively early in the game, providing the main attacking threat with driving runs and shots from the right.

 

 

He had a goal ruled out for offside and was effective, but his final delivery was occasionally lacking, limiting Everton’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities.

 

Abdoulaye Doucouré (off for Ndiaye ’62) – 6

 

Doucouré was energetic and involved in some build-up play but had little impact on the attack. His pressing was notable, but he didn’t make a significant difference in the game.

Dwight McNeil – 4

 

McNeil, usually crucial under Dyche, had a poor game. He was fortunate to have an early missed chance flagged for offside and was otherwise virtually absent for the rest of the match.

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (off for Beto ’67) – 4

 

Calvert-Lewin had a few flick-ons but was largely ineffective in the first half. He was unlucky to have a penalty overturned but offered no real threat in front of goal.

 

Substitutions

 

Iliman Ndiaye (on for Doucouré ’62) – 5

 

Ndiaye came on under difficult circumstances and struggled to make an impact as Young was sent off shortly after his introduction. He will have better opportunities in future games.

 

Beto (on for Calvert-Lewin ’67) – 5

 

Beto put in some effort but arrived when the game was already lost. His contribution was minimal in the context of the match’s outcome.

 

Mason Holgate (on for Harrison ’85) – 5

 

Holgate’s introduction was met with boos from the crowd and summed up a challenging day for Everton. His impact was limited under the circumstances.