Jesper Lindstrom flops again, 8/10 shines – Everton player ratings v Brentford

Sean Dyche will be disappointed after Everton failed to take advantage of a 10-man Brentford in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Toffees made a bright start at Goodison Park on 23 November but failed to build on it despite Christian Norgaard being sent off for a high challenge on Jordan Pickford four minutes before half-time.

Dyche’s men had 27 shots but only five on target, with none of those really testing Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Goodison News has rated the Toffees players out of 10 after the draw.

Everton draw 0-0 with Brentford

Jordan Pickford – 7

Pickford pulled off a solid save to deny Yoane Wissa from a 1v1 situation in the first half. He was then in the middle of controversy as Norgaard was shown a direct red card for a foul on him. He had barely anything to do in the second half apart from one save.

Ashley Young – 7

Young has been in good form for the Merseyside-based club recently and produced another fine performance on this occasion. While he was not as threatening as Mykolenko in attack, his whipping crosses gave the hosts an extra outlet.

James Tarkowski – 6

Tarkowski was comfortable alongside Branthwaite in defence, especially after Brentford went a man down. He looked a threat from set-pieces but ultimately was not able to make the difference.

Jarrad Branthwaite class shines through

Jarrad Branthwaite – 7

Branthwaite may have had a stop-start time at Goodison Park this season, but his class shone through once again, with his composure and pace helping the hosts keep Frank’s men at bay.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 7

Mykolenko did not hesitate going forward, joining the attack on numerous occasions. The left-back had a sight of goal from close range in the 62nd minute but failed to keep his shot down. Most of Everton’s attacks came down the left flank and he was the heart of those.

Idrissa Gueye – 5

Gueye had a shot brilliantly saved by Mark Flekken in the fourth minute. The trend continued as he showed determination to help the Toffees in attack and did not shy away from taking shots from a distance, although it became a bit too much at times.

Abdoulaye Doucoure [Off for Beto 72′] – 4

With Dwight McNeil returning to the line-up, Doucoure joined Gueye in the middle of the park after playing further up against West Ham. However, he did nothing of note before being replaced by Beto in the second half.

Jesper Lindstrom flops again

Jesper Lindstrom [Off for Orel Mangala 72′] – 3

Lindstrom’s hunt for his first Everton goal contribution continues after another underwhelming performance. He seems to be getting a hang of the system but needs to do more regardless. Much of the Toffees’ attacks came down the left flank and that was another reason his involvement was limited.

Dwight McNeil – 5

McNeil seemed destined to score when he made a mazy run down the middle in the first half until his shot from the edge of the box let him down. He moved to the left wing at the start of the second half in a tactical switch that saw Iliman Ndiaye join Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front. The attacker also had a stint on the right flank towards the end of the game.

Iliman Ndiaye – 8

With Brentford down to 10 men, Ndiaye played down the middle in the second half, providing more support to Calvert-Lewin. Regardless of his position, the Senegal international put in a solid shift for the Toffees, causing the Brentford defenders a headache while also contributing defensively. If anyone was going to make a difference for Dyche’s side, it was him.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4

Calvert-Lewin was set up for a great chance by McNeil in the 26th minute, but he let himself down with his first touch, making the angle for the shot too narrow. The England international grew into the game, but considering the Bees were a man down, there was not enough from him.

Beto involved but ineffective

Substitutes:

Beto [On for Doucoure 72′] – 5

Beto was heavily involved as Everton pushed for a winner, with his aerial presence causing the visitors headaches in the box. However, he did not look like scoring on any of those occasions.