Everton v Fulham player ratings
Fulham secured a vital three points with a 2-0 victory over Everton to secure a first-ever League win at Goodison Park. Here’s how we rated the Whites players:
Alphonse Areola: 6
Would have done well to keep warm on a bitterly cold night on Merseyside as he was a virtual spectator throughout as Fulham dominated from the opening whistle. His only alarming moment was a Seamus Coleman effort that hit the post in a rare Everton attack in the first half and didn’t have to make a save until the 76th minute.
Kenny Tete: 8
Made one magnificent tackle after chasing down Josh King in a foot-race and was neat and tidy throughout in a solid performance at right-back by the Dutchman.
Joachim Anderson: 7
Won’t have an easier night in the Premier League, such was Everton’s abysmal performance and Fulham’s dominance. The classy Dane barely had to break into a sweat keeping the anonymous Richarlison in check and won everything in the air on the rare occasions the hosts offered anything in attack.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 7
Like his centre-half partner he didn’t have much to do but dealt with the little that came his way efficiently and with little fuss.
Ola Aina: 8
Another strong display from the former Chelsea man. Linked up brilliantly with Ademola Lookman to set up the opening goal with a superb give-and-go before sliding a low cross that was met by Josh Maja at the back post. Was a constant threat on the overlap from the left flank.
Harrison Reed: 9
There’s more to his game than just being tough in the tackle and he showed that in spades in a magnificent display in which he used the ball intelligently and dominated the midfield. Set up the second goal for Maja with a well-struck shot that bounced back off the post.
Mario Lemina: 8
Ran himself into the ground alongside Reed and offered great support at both ends of the pitch in a wholehearted performance.
Bobby Decordova-Reid: 8
A typically bright and busy display. Hit the post with an audacious back-heel in the first half and was a constant menace for the Everton defence.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6
The on-loan Chelsea midfielder continues to flatter to deceive. Blessed with a brilliant first touch and often makes running with the ball looks so effortless. But for a player of his talent his final ball can be lacking and he drifts in and out of the game far too much.
Ademola Lookman: 8
Looked up for the challenge from the opening whistle against his former club and put in a very good shift on the left wing, where he asked constant questions of the Everton defence.
Josh Maja: 9
A dream full debut that saw him score twice and provide the Whites with a much-needed focal point up front. Was a constant threat with some good movement and a willingness to drop deep and go looking for the ball. Was in the right place at the right time to tap home both his goals and end Fulham’s run of 22 successive defeats at Goodison in fine style.
