Everton Player Ratings vs Newcastle: Dewsbury-Hall Steals The Show

It's not often you can watch an Everton game and struggle to pick out at least one player who underperformed. 

The Toffees have now won two games on the bounce, advancing into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup while climbing to eighth in the Premier League. Thank you, Newcastle. 

David Moyes' have improved drastically over the last two games following some disappointing displays against Chelsea and Arsenal. There was a lot of negativity surrounding Everton in recent weeks, but we're back on the positivity train heading towards Coventry on Friday night. 

Both wins are equally as important as each other. Everton were slipping down the Premier League table, while advancing in the cup is so important to supporters, especially with a tie against Fleetwood Town booked in. 

Everton's display against Newcastle in the Premier League was arguably their best of the season so far. Defensive solidity, a more structured midfield, and creating chances in the final third.

Many questioned the decisions of the manager when the team was announced, but Moyes certainly justified those decisions.

Onto the player ratings.

Hard to give him much more than a 7.5 as he had so little to do. Jordan Pickford almost always deals with the Newcastle fans well, and in fact, it clearly spurs him on - why do they still do it?

Anyway, dealt with everything he had to do, making a crucial save to stop Yoane Wissa towards the end. Comfortable protecting his box from set-pieces, too.

Jake O’Brien hasn’t been given a lot of game time under David Moyes so far this season, but he stepped up to the plate here. Kept Harvey Barnes quiet, and overall a really solid game.

No complaints.

I’m giving both Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski an eight here. Tarkowski defended his box well, as he usually does, was comfortable in possession, and kept that sheet clean. 

It’s a similar story for Branthwaite as it was for Tarkowski.

Came off late due to cramp, but a really solid performance from him coming back into the side. Just makes Everton better, it’s as simple as that, really. 

Another solid game for Vitalii Mykolenko, as we’ve said multiple times this season. With Branthwaite to his right, he looks incredibly comfortable, and he’s barely put a foot wrong this season.

Was looking to venture forward again against Newcastle, kept the ball well, and kept his winger quiet. So much so that it’s hard to remember who even played against him.

A lot of energy in the middle for James Garner. Nothing stood out too much on the ball, but he kept things ticking and we certainly didn’t look vulnerable centrally. 

The midfield seems to be improving in terms of their shape, and Garner is always at the heart of that.

Would be an eight if he didn’t fall apart in the box! So much energy, driving with the ball helps Everton so much. Covers more ground than every player almost every week. 

If he sharpens up his final third play, the sky is the limit for this kid. Should have scored.

A controversial inclusion, but the decision was justified. Merlin Rohl gave Everton an out-ball due to his pace, and he’s always a threat from crosses.

It feels like he could be that pacey in-behind winger that Everton need as an alternative to Tyler Dibling, with Brennan Johnson struggling. 

Solid performance from him.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has received a bit of criticism this season. Some of it has been justified, and it’s normally just because Evertonians expect so much from him. 

This performance summed up why Evertonians expect so much. Energy, creativity, fight. When he plays well, so do Everton. He never shies away from anything or trying to make things happen. Takes responsibility as an experienced player should. Top, top performance.

Fairly quiet throughout, but popped up when he needed to. Tyrique George will have games like this. You might not see much from him, but he’ll make that crucial run at the right time, and it led to Everton’s first goal. 

Still more to come from him, but he’s a young lad and he was a threat at times on the right. 

Two chances, one goal. Can’t complain at that. If you miss, bounce back and score. 

He scored from one yard, of course, but there is a reason why he was there to the rebound and a Newcastle defender wasn’t. Determination, positioning, staying onside. 

Had a tough night overall as we struggled to get the ball to him, but stayed patient and got his goal.