Player Ratings – Everton 2 Watford 2

Newly promoted Watford led twice at Goodison Park before eventually having to settle for a share of the spoils with Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The Hornets took the lead after just 13 minutes, Miguel Layun smashing in after the hosts failed to clear, before Ross Barkley rifled home from outside the box 15 minutes from time. The drama had only just begun though, as Odion Ighalo masterfully put the visitors back in front with a run and finish before Arouna Kone earned Roberto Martinez’ side a point with 87 minutes on the clock.

It was an impressive result for the newly-promoted Hornets after experiencing a huge influx of signings and a managerial change during the off-season. For Everton though, it appears that Martinez will be working round the clock in the remaining days of the window to secure some more options for his injury-hit squad.

Everton:

Tim Howard – 6: Not his busiest afternoon, but had to be alert to stop a Jose Holebas pile-driver in the second half.

Seamus Coleman – 6: Was kept quiet by Watford’s excellent defensive shape and failed to make much of an impact.

John Stones – 7: An expert performance all round, with class and composure in abundance, although he may feel he should have done better for Ighalo’s goal.

Phil Jagielka – 6: Was left equally dumbstruck by Ighalo’s jinking run and his failed clearance led to the first goal. Fine other than that.

Brendan Galloway – 5: Failed to offer as much going forward as the man he replaced, and was eventually subbed as part of an attacking move by Martinez.

Gareth Barry – 6: Very quiet in midfield although Everton improved as an attacking force when he moved to left-back.

James McCarthur – 5: Failed to make any noticeable impact on the game. Needed to do more to enhance his positive reputation.

Tom Cleverley – 7: One of the brighter sparks for his side, popping up across the pitch in the final third. Didn’t quite have the quality ultimately, but attempted to make things happen.

Ross Barkley – 8: Ultimately, the reason his side took anything from the game. Anything positive for the Toffees went through him and a fantastic strike for the goal.

Kevin Mirallas – 5: Looked half-fit and, again, was a victim of Watford’s excellent defending. Eventually subbed.

Romelu Lukaku – 6: Read Mirallas, but Lukaku gets a higher score on the basis of his late assist for Kone. Very quiet throughout and missed a presentable headed chance in the second half.

Substitutes

Arouna Kone – 7: Everton immediately improved when he came on to partner Lukaku and the former Wigan man was eventually rewarded with the equaliser after missing an earlier chance.

Bryan Oviedo – N/A

Steven Naismith – N/A

Watford

Heurelho Gomes – 7: Made a couple of sharp saves in the first half and was accomplished throughout. Will be crucial for Watford.

Allan Nyom – 8: Didn’t give Mirallas a sniff throughout and was very strong. An improvement going forward would have meant the perfect display but Watford’s MOTM.

Sebastian Prodl – 7: A giant who matched up to Lukaku physically. Decent mobility too for such a big man, too.

Craig Cathcart – 7: Another in the list of impressive individual displays for the visitors. Dealt with everything that came his way calmly and looks the perfect partner for Prodl.

Jose Holebas – 7: Another who was strong defensively but slightly let himself down in the attacking third. Real signs that he can improve, though, and rounds off an impressive back four.

Valon Behrami – 7: Would have been higher were it not for the error that led to the first equaliser. Was absolutely everywhere, winning the ball back and setting his side on the attack.

Etienne Capoue – 6: Was effective in midfield, though played second fiddle to Behrami. Will surely improve when Watford get the chance to dominate games.

Ikechi Anya – 7: A willing runner whose pace caused problems right to the end. Final ball needs to improve, but he will be a threat at this level.

Jose Jurado – 6: A few flashes at the start of the games but was soon overcome by Everton’s physicality. Clearly a classy player who needs time.

Miguel Layun – 7: A selfless display, man-marking Seamus Coleman out of the game down the right. Took his goal with aplomb but tired and was subbed.

Troy Deeney – 7: Held the ball up well and was selfless in his efforts as the lone striker. Was occasionally isolated, hardly his fault, and showed class leading the line.

Substitutes

Juan Carlos Paredes – 6: Did his job off the bench well but not spectacularly. Showed energy that was crucial in the dying moments.

Ben Watson – 6: Again, was faultless in what he was asked to do without being spectacular.

Odion Ighalo – 7: Didn’t spend long on the pitch but scored a fabulous goal which set his side up for at least a point. Will surely start soon.

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