Everton Player Ratings Vs Swansea City (A) 22nd Sept

I have to admit, this was a game I wasn't looking forward too, despite the fact we have played some good football this season, Swansea have impressed me under Laudrup. Well, I had nothing to worry about, this was one of the most complete Everton performances I have seen for years! Infact, I don't think Swansea could have complained if it was 6 or 7-0! We had 31 shots altogether...hello...31 shots, it has taken us 7 or 8 games in previous seasons to amass that tally.

It's the life of a football fan. We know Everton are notorious for starting slow, but now we sit 3rd in the table (and were momentarily 2nd for a day!). Yes, we have only played 5 games, but again, being a fan, it is exactly the same points to game ratio as to when we qualified for the Champions League. Can we qualify for that again, I honestly don't know, but Europe is definitely on the cards, or is that me just being a romantic fan again!!

After just 2 mins, Everton could have been 2 or 3 up, Mirallas was unlucky, and is looking quite a prospect. And as for Fellaini, thank god the transfer window has shut, because on this form, he will have suitors from all over!

Everton eventually took the lead through Big Vic, who converted after knock down from Fellaini! Replays showed the goal to be controversial, but in real time no one noticed, not even the Swansea players. Everton carried on with the pressure, and Mirallas got his 1st prem goal for Everton, after he finished after a fine move from Neville, Fellaini and Peanuts! I am glad Mirallas scored, but also from the rebound, because I couldn't be doing with another did it cross the line or not scenario!

Swansea had a few chances towards the end of the half, and Howard saved well from the quality named Angel Rangel. Howard was then called into action in the 2nd half as Swansea tried to get back into it. Nathan Dyer on as a sub picked up a silly yellow for dissent, and then a few mins later made a rash challenge of Baines, and 12mins after coming on, he was off for an early bath. Everton again went on the offensive, Big Vic missing an opportunity after Mirallas struck the bar, and Fellaini also missed a sitter. Howard then made save of the match diving low to his right to turn a Ki Sung Yeung shot over the bar.

Everton killed the game off, with a header from Fellaini. Shocking really, we were 2 up, dominating, playing against 10 men, and yet I know what it is like to be an Everton fan, so I was still nervous!! Thankfully, we killed the game off, and got to see Bryan Oviedo make his debut, for all of 5 mins!

Onto the ratings!

8

As a keeper, I know you get days like this, the ball ends up being a magnet to you. However, it also gives the defenders confidence knowing they have a quality keeper behind them!

7

Great to see Seamus start in his natural position! Solid game, nothing spectacular, would like to see him get a run there!!

7

I have a feeling all my reports for Jags will be the same. Honest player, solid again, just wish he wouldn't lump the ball so much!! Pass it on the floor Phil!

7

Great to see Johnny back in the team, though I did think it would have been at the expense of Jags, not Sylvan. I like Johnny, no nonsense, keeps it simple, and shows Jags how to pass a ball rather than a hopeful lump.

8

Mr consistent. Howard said on football focus that Bainesy is an 8 every week, he isn't wrong! We can't lose Leighton, it would be a travesty! 

9

So nearly man of the match, put in a quality performance, and finally we might not have to put everything down the left, though not complaining with Baines and Peanuts!!! Looks a real prospect! Not sure how the so called bigger teams in Europe have missed out on him.

7

Nothing spectacular, but solid. Started the move for Mirallas goal. I think Phil will join the backroom team soon, once his chances of 1st team football diminish!

7

Again, like Neville, solid, but not spectacular. The player I would have thought who is most at danger once we have a full fit team. i.e. Gibson back!

9

Everton Man of the Match. Absolutely unplayable at the moment, his chest control is just stunning! Lucky assist with first goal, but thoroughly deserved his goal. He might want to be box to box, but I am happy with him being in one box at the moment!!

7

Put himself about, but also missed a few chances! Some fans are beginning to wax lyrical, but seriously it is 2 in 2, the first time he has ever done it!! 2 games doesn't make him a success, but it is a nice way to start! Can't help thinking how many we would have had if Jelavic was playing though.

SUBS

All 3 receive a 6 as none of them had time to make an impact. It was good to see Maggie get an outing, even if it was for 5 mins, and same for Bryan Oviedo, who made his debut.