Player Ratings: Everton 1 - 1 Liverpool

Lukaku was the best player on the pitch

The Super Sunday fixture in the Premier League got off to a flying start at Goodison Park which hosted the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool. The highly anticipated fixture marked the 225th Merseyside derby in history. 

The first half saw two goals scored by each team and like any other derby clashes, the game was filled with action and intensity throughout the entire game. More than four players were booked during the game, but, unfortunately, the game ended in a draw and both the Merseyside clubs were happy to share a point each at the end of the final whistle.

Here are the player ratings from the match:

Everton

Everton players celebrating Lukaku's goal

Tim Howard – 7/10

The Everton goalkeeper made an early impression in the game by charging out of his goal line to snatch the ball away from striker Danny Ings. This was followed up by his save from a Milner shot when he did well to narrow the angle for the Liverpool skipper. The goalkeeper was untested in the second half and had a comfortable afternoon.

Brendan Galloway – 6/10

Galloway had a fairly comfortable afternoon as Liverpool lacked an orthodox winger to trouble the young man. Much of the threats from his wing came from Nathaniel Clyne, but Galloway did well to stop the crosses from the former Southampton full-back.

Ramiro Funes Mori – 7/10

Funes Mori was brought in for John Stones in the last minute, but he did brilliantly with Jagielka as they formed a rock solid defensive partnership at the back.

Phil Jagielka – 8/10

The captain formed an imposing figure at the back and he led the charge early on in the game. Jagielka cleared a dangerous ball which was whipped into the penalty area by Skrtel and went on to make important interceptions throughout the whole game, shutting down Liverpool’ s attacking threats. The 33-year-old did well to shut out Sturridge who barely got a chance on goal.

Tyias Browning – 6/10

The youngster was troubled by Moreno’s pace in the second half as Liverpool chose to capitalise on the young man's lack of experience. Browning almost came close to giving his team the lead in the second with his header from a corner kick.

Gareth Barry – 7/10

With all the experience he has got, Barry did well to use it wisely as he donned the Everton midfield and providing the shield for his defence. When his team had the possession, Barry did well to utilize it by making incisive passes to his creative players like Barkley and Naismith. 

James McCarthy – 7/10

McCarthy did all the dirty work for Everton in the middle of the park and Liverpool found it difficult to stop his partnership with Barry. He was booked later on in the second half for his rash tackle on one of the Liverpool players.

Ross Barkley – 8/10

Played an influential role in Everton’s midfield by linking up well with teammates Naismith and Lukaku. He earned a free kick for his team from 30 yards out and whipped in a dangerous ball to Naismith, whose header was tipped off by Liverpool keeper Mignolet. The in-form midfielder got into a bust-up with Emre Can when the German International refused to hand over the ball to him for a quick throw in. It was a good performance by Barkley once again, running in behind Liverpool players.

Steven Naismith – 7.5/10

Steven Naismith has got quality and he showed it against Chelsea earlier this season. However, he never really got into the thick of the action except for his header in the first half which could have ended at the back of the net if it wasn’t for Mignolet’s magnificent save.

Gerard Deulofeu – 5/10

Deulofeu never really provided the width for the Toffees and neither did he impose himself in the game. Whipped in a dangerous ball from the right wing which eventually led to Lukaku’s goal. Apart from that, the 19-year-old was fairly quiet throughout the whole match and he was replaced by Lenon in the 60th minute.

Romelu Lukaku – 8.5/10

Lukaku led the attacking line well with power and pace which made it difficult for Liverpool defenders to contain the Belgian striker. He put his team back in contention when he scored the equaliser following a defensive blunder from Emre Can.  

Subs -

Aaron Lenon – 4/10

Brought in for Gerard Deulofeu at the hour mark to provide the much-needed directness and pace into Everton’s game. 

Arouna Kone – 4/10

Came on to partner Lukaku up front but he hardly got time to settle into the game.