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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley

Everton player ratings as Ellis Simms the hero and Abdoulaye Doucoure superb against Chelsea

Jordan Pickford 7

Made smart saves from Kai Havertz either side of the break, the second from a header but was helpless to keep out Joao Felix’s low drive that went in off his left-hand post and was then sent the wrong way by Havertz from the penalty spot.

Seamus Coleman 7

Needed to rely on all his experience attempting to shackle the twin threats of Felix and Ben Chilwell down his flank but the captain produced another strong display in tough circumstances.

Ben Godfrey 7

Made some vital interceptions, including two in the space of a matter of seconds as Chelsea pushed forwards in waves, he still looks a bit rough around the edges at times, such as the moment that led to the penalty, but his height and physicality look well-suited for the task at hand.

MATCH RECAP: Chelsea vs Everton final score, highlights and reaction

JOE THOMAS: Patrick Vieira sacking proves Everton got their biggest January decision right

Michael Keane 7

Had dealt with everything that came his way both in the air and on the deck before Felix’s goal and was unfortunate that his clearance only found its way to the Portuguese international’s feet.

James Tarkowski 7

Another warrior-like display marshalling Everton’s defence on an evening when they were up against it, he read the danger for Felix’s goal, trying to close down the shot but just couldn’t get there in time, his flick-on set up Abdoulaye Doucoure’s equaliser but stuck out his leg which Reece James needed no encouragement in falling over, although it was unclear whether the penalty was given for this challenge or Godfrey's.

Idrissa Gueye 7

Snapped at the heels of Chelsea’s attackers and had to remain disciplined after picking up a booking for his first-half challenge on Christian Pulisic.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 9

Had already been an industrious performer, getting in the faces of Chelsea’s players with an energetic display before he headed Everton level from close range and then providing the assist for Simms’ goal.

Amadou Onana 7

Grew into the game after a quiet first half, his long strides providing an outlet on the break

Alex Iwobi 8

A smart display down the right, his footwork was good in tight situations and he was slick on the counter-attack.

Dwight McNeil 7

Booked for a lunge on Enzo late in the first half, it was a rare lapse from the left-winger whose corner-kick helped set up Everton’s equaliser while he also had the away fans on their feet with a mazy run at the home defence.

Demarai Gray 7

Put in a big shift on a tough night, leading the line and trying to hold the ball up for his team-mates, often with his back to goal in a role which is still very new to him while also causing problems with his pace.

SUBS

Ellis Simms (on 77 for Gueye) 9

Brilliantly-taken first Premier League goal as he brushed off man mountain Kalidou Koulibaly before slotting a left foot finish past Kepa.

Vitalii Mykolenko (on 86 for Coleman) 8

Played his part in Everton’s second goal with his ball upfield to Doucoure.

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