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Everton logo
Premier League
Aug 8, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Watford logo

2-2

Barkley (76'), Kone (86')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Layun (13'), Ighalo (83')

Player Ratings: Everton 2-2 Watford

Sports Mole rates each player who competed in today's 2-2 draw between Everton and Watford.

Arouna Kone salvaged a point for Everton by scoring in the 86th minute to seal a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted side Watford on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Miguel Layun put the visitors in front inside 15 minutes, but Ross Barkley struck back in the second half to give the Toffees a crucial equaliser.

Substitute Odion Ighalo thought that he had won it for Watford by scoring with less than 10 minutes to play, but Kone had the final say.

Below, Sports Mole has issued every player who turned out at Goodison Park with a rating out of 10.



EVERTON

Ross Barkley of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on August 8, 2015© Getty Images

Goal

Tim Howard: Conceding twice on the opening day of the season is never a positive start, and while the American could have done better to save the second, he did not have too much to do, especially in the second half when Everton were on the attack. (6/10)

Defence

Brendan Galloway: Following the news that Leighton Baines had suffered an injury setback, the young Galloway stepped in, and he looked full of confidence as he showed strength in defence and attacking intent. (7/10)

Phil Jagielka: Got in vital positions when needed to close down attacks from Watford, and generally had a commanding performance in the centre of defence. (7/10)

John Stones: The England Under-21 international is being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, and while his manager Roberto Martinez indicated that his head has been turned, the defender did not look distracted while doing his defensive duties. However, he did fail to read Odion Ighalo's movement before Watford's second goal. (8/10)

Seamus Coleman: Failed to commit many runs in the second half, but he worried Watford's defence after the break by sending in plenty of damaging crosses into the box. (8/10)

Midfield

Gareth Barry: Relatively quiet throughout, but did his job in the middle of the park. Was asked to drop into a full-back position when Galloway was substituted in the second half. (7/10)

James McCarthy: After signing a new contract in the week, the midfielder was not as influential as he has previously showed, but rarely put a foot wrong. (6/10)

Tom Cleverley: Made his Premier League debut for the Toffees following his summer move from Manchester United and put on a good display with some decent crosses into the area. (6/10)

Ross Barkley: Scored the first equaliser for Everton with a thunderbolt of a shot, which will boost his confidence no doubt. Used his strength to his advantage and always looked to get forward. (8/10)

Attack

Kevin Mirallas: Was a menace to Watford's defence until he suffered an ankle injury, which eventually led to his substitution in the second half. Used his pace to damaging effect and sent in numerous decent crosses. (8/10)

Romelu Lukaku: Got himself in decent positions, but his final touch was lacking when he did get decent service in the box. Linked up well with Kone when the striker came on in the second half. (7/10)

Substitutes

Arouna Kone: Scored the crucial equaliser for Everton with just four minutes left to play and set up Barkley's goal to make it 1-1 in the second half. (9/10)

Steven Naismith: Came on towards the closing stages of the match, but looked lively when on the ball and linked up well with Kone. (6/10)

Bryan Oviedo: Replaced Mirallas in the second half and looked to get forward when Everton were searching for a winner. (6/10)



WATFORD

Miguel Layun (3rd L) of Watford celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on August 8, 201© Getty Images

Goal

Heurelho Gomes: The much busier of the two goalkeepers, but looked comfortable when called upon. Made a number of crucial saves and cannot be blamed for the goals conceded. (7/10)

Defence

Allan Nyom: One of Watford's many summer signings and he proved his ability this afternoon by standing firm, as well as showing attacking intent when needed. (7/10)

Craig Cathcart: Made crucial blocks and was able to frustrate Lukaku at times. Looked comfortable in his role and was able to read Everton's play well, particularly in the first half. (8/10)

Sebastian Prodl: Another new signing for Watford and he put on a commanding display in defence. He was one of the reasons why Everton struggled to break their opponents down in the second half. (7/10)

Jose Holebas: A positive debut for the Greek, but he earned a needless yellow card for time-wasting before his throw-in. (6/10)

Midfield

Etienne Capoue: Arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and he was a prominent figure in midfield as he tried to impress on his debut. (6/10)

Valon Behrami: Put on a positive display and did not allow himself to get bullied in the middle of the park. Could have been punished for a challenge on Mirallas that left the Belgian with an ankle problem. (6/10)

Ikechi Anya: Used his pace well to trouble the Everton defenders, but was not hugely influential. (5/10)

Jose Jurado: Another debutant this afternoon and he showed promise and did his job to good effect. (6/10)

Miguel Layun: Scored the opening goal inside the first 15 minutes of the game and could have been close to a second not long after. (7/10)

Attack

Troy Deeney: Looked very comfortable with the demands of Premier League football. Held the ball up well and used a threat, but he faded as the game went on. (7/10)

Substitutes

Juan Paredes: Relatively quite when he made he way onto the pitch to replace the goalscorer in the 59th minute. (6/10)

Odion Ighalo: Scored what was less than 10 minutes away of being the winning goal for Watford. Showed lovely footwork to pull away from John Stones before striking at goal. (8/10)

Ben Watson: Came on late in the game and therefore did not have enough time to make an impact. (6/10)


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Ross Barkley of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on August 8, 2015
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Match Analysis: Everton 2-2 Watford
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