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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley

Everton player ratings as Michael Keane and two others awful vs Fulham

Jordan Pickford 6

Had found himself beaten by Harry Wilson’s effort that struck the post before Harrison Reed slotted in the rebound but after saving well from Andreas Pereira early in the second half, was horribly exposed for the carnage that followed.

Ben Godfrey 3

Replacing injured captain Seamus Coleman at right-back after a torrid time at Old Trafford last weekend when he was hooked at half-time, he fared little better on the opposite flank here, with veteran Brazilian Willian regularly finding pockets of space and outsmarting him to get to the ball first and set up Fulham’s second goal before concussion forced him off this time.

Vitalii Mykolenko 3

Recalled at left-back after playing the second half at United but he looked off-the-pace for long periods, being harried into making an over-hit backpass that Pickford had to chest away, showing Wilson inside for Fulham’s first goal and then being all at sea for their second as the move started down his flank.

REACTION: Everton 1-3 Fulham match updates and analysis

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Michael Keane 4

Has been one of the big winners so far under Dyche but not at those levels here as he was left chasing shadows for the opener and then enabled Daniel James to find his way past him and Tarkowski for the third.

James Tarkowski 5

The most-assured looking defender for Everton, he made a big last-ditch challenge on Harry Wilson while offering a threat in the opposition box, blazing an inviting chance over after Maupay’s header had been clawed away but he and Keane allowed Daniel James to get between them far too easily for the third.

Idrissa Gueye 6

Went into this game as the last man standing from the midfield trio that have been mainstays so far under Sean Dyche and while earlier booked for upending Andreas Pereira, he capped an energetic first half with the crucial interception to start the move for Everton’s equaliser but made way after the visitors’ third goal.

James Garner 5

Starting for the first time in the Premier League, he had a hand in the first two goals, allowing James to beat him to the rebound and pick out Reed but then providing the pass that fed McNeil for the equaliser but like too many of his team-mates, lost his way after the break.

Alex Iwobi 5

Started out wide but moved into the middle as part of a tactical reshuffle, there was plenty of his usual energy but nothing quite came off for him regardless of where he was being deployed.

Dwight McNeil 7

Another coolly-despatched finish in front of the Park End, he latched onto a pass from Garner before driving a low left-foot strike past Leno to equalise while after switching to the right wing, he rattled the Fulham keeper’s post with what looked like a cross early in the second half.

Demarai Gray 5

Initially a second striker, he switched out to the wing but for all his silky touches, the end product was lacking with a shot flashed across the face of goal late in the first half one of his closest moments.

Neal Maupay 5

Seemed ill-suited to Everton pumping long balls up to him but at least asked a few questions before the break, forcing Leno into a save with a header and almost fashioning a chance after a neat one-two with Gray but – as all season – the Blues were not playing to his strengths.

Nathan Patterson (on 57 for Godfrey) 6

Enthusiastic run-out in difficult circumstances after Godfrey’s concussion.

Tom Davies (on 69 for Gueye) 6

Introduced as the hosts chased shadows.

Ellis Simms (on 74 for Maupay) 6

Another outing off the bench.

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