Everton player ratings as Iliman Ndiaye good in frustrating Brentford draw

Everton player ratings as Iliman Ndiaye good in frustrating Brentford draw

Everton player ratings from Chris Beesley after the clash with Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday

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Boos rang out around Goodison Park on the final whistle as despite having a one-man advantage on Brentford for over half the match, Everton were unable to record a fourth consecutive Premier League victory in head-to-heads against the west London side.

Sean Dyche’s men had started brightly but after spurning several good chances early on, they failed to make the most of opposition captain Christian Norgaard being sent off by Chris Kavanagh when the referee was invited by VAR to check the pitchside montior after the Brentford player had caught home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a high challenge.

The result leaves Everton with just one home win all season in the Premier League but also just one defeat from their last eight matches and while they now have 11 points from their first dozen games after losing the first four, a series of tough-looking fixtures lie on the horizon over the busy festive period.

Jordan Pickford 7

Despite Everton’s one-man advantage, after Brentford captain Christian Norgaard was sent off following a VAR check for catching him, the home goalkeeper still had to be at his best to make a couple of crucial saves, standing up well to deny Yoane Wissa and then Keane Lewis-Potter either side of the red card.

Ashley Young 6

Was steady enough but more defensively-minded that Mykolenko on the opposite flank and there were a couple of moments in the second half when Brentford looked dangerous on the counter down his side of the pitch.

Vitalii Mykolenko 7

If only a pass from Ndiaye had fallen on his favoured left foot, even before the sending off the full-back was getting forward to good effect and is showed his ability to be part of Everton’s attacking threat from out wide.

James Tarkowski 7

Looked a threat from attacking set pieces, having been called upon to use all of his aerial ability against one of his former clubs before they were reduced to 10 men while after that it was more a case of just being sensible.

Jarrad Branthwaite 7

Tamely headed wide from a McNeil cross as the game entered stoppage time, he’s feeling his way back in in only his second Goodison Park start of the season and while he was still shaking off the rust but his class and ability to carry the ball forward, remained evident.

Idrissa Gueye 7

Having netted the winner in this corresponding fixture last season, he seemed to fancy himself going forward again, driving with purpose rather than just fighting fires, and having a crack from distance on several occasions, one of which Mark Flakken had to tip over the bar.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 6

Moved back into the engine room with the return of McNeil to add some more physicality in the centre of the park, he was more industrious than inspirational before making way for Mangala who looks more comfortable on the ball.

Jesper Lindstrom 6

Got McNeil out of jail with a well-timed recovery tackle that perhaps epitomised an afternoon on which he showed his silk is now supplemented by some steel as he integrates more into the team’s system.

Dwight McNeil 7

At the heart of a lot of the hosts’ most promising moves, he had a clutch of inviting chances fall his way but couldn’t hit the target, although, like Mykolenko, one fell on his unfavoured right foot.

Iliman Ndiaye 8

Had spells on the left, down the middle and even on the right, wherever he was, most of Everton’s best play came through him as he’s looked their most potent force with his close control and dribbling with an early shot being deflected for a corner and several other chances created for others.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6

Was denied from close range on a couple of occasions before the break, firstly when he redirected an Idrissa Gueye drive and then when his near post effort was turned around the post by Mark Flekken, but for all his labours, he couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Beto (on 72 for Lindstrom) 6

A willing runner as Everton added an extra striker in an attempt to find a winner, but no way through.

Orel Mangala (on 72 for Doucoure) 6

Brought on for his ability to try and pick a pass but Brentford remained resolute.

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