Everton opened up their 2019/20 campaign with a relatively uninspiring 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace.
Both sides had chances to take all three points throughout the clash but ultimately neither could find the back of the net.
Starting off with a clean sheet (the Blues’ 11th of 2019) is a positive, but Marco Silva will be hoping for much more when his side welcome Watford to Goodison Park next weekend.
Some players gave a good account of themselves at Selhurst Park, others, well, did not.
The ratings
Jordan Pickford | 8
The England stopper enjoyed a pretty quiet first half, with most of the action taking place in the Eagles’ box but was called upon more than once in the second 45.
Pickford needed to make a number of smart stops, with his save from Jordan Ayew arguably being the pick of the bunch.
Seamus Coleman | 6
The newly crowned captain of Everton Football Club didn’t have much to do in south London, but the Ireland international could be a bit more positive in attacking positions.
Michael Keane | 7
Donning his new number five jersey the England centre half stopped near enough everything that came his way and as always was dominant in the air.
Yerry Mina | 8
Kurt who?
Probably the Colombian’s best game for Everton since his £28 million move last summer. Bullied Christian Benteke and formed a decent partnership with Keane.
Long may it continue.
Lucas Digne | 7
The ever-reliable Frenchman put in a decent shift against Palace linking up well with Bernard whilst also keeping Andros Townsend quiet throughout.
Morgan Schneiderlin | 4
Despite starting the game well, one too many fouls seen Schneiderlin receive his marching orders from Jonathan Moss, putting the Toffees in a difficult predicament for the final 20 minutes.
Andre Gomes | 6
Gomes himself didn’t impress in particular, but Everton’s performance dropped off significantly after the midfielder was forced off with an injury before half time showing the influence he has on the team.
Richarlison | 7
As always, the Brazilian was a complete nuisance for opposition defenders and Everton’s new number seven had one cleared off the line.
He also done a good job helping Coleman stifle Wilfried Zaha when the Ivorian was introduced midway through the second period.
Gylfi Sigurdsson | 3
After dragging a shot wide in the opening minutes Everton’s supposed creative spark contributed little-to-nothing to his side’s push for the win.
Much more is needed from such a key member of Silva’s side.
Bernard | 6
The little Brazilian has all the tricks in the book and is mesmerising to watch at times but it was his decision making in the final third that let him down against Palace.
With Alex Iwobi coming into the squad, Bernard is someone who’ll have to up their game.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 5
Through little fault of his own, DCL hardly touched the ball.
He glanced a header wide early on but that was about it for the 22-year-old who was replaced with 70 minutes on the clock.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin | 5
JPG was introduced in first half stoppage time of a game he probably wasn’t going to feature in if it wasn’t for Gomes’ injury.
The 23-year-old has openly admitted he must be better, but adaptation to a new league takes time and he cannot be written off after one appearance.
Moise Kean | 6
Five minutes into his Everton debut the Italian was forced to play as a loan striker in a 4-4-1 set-up, leaving him very isolated.
He chased every ball and had a few nice touches but like Gbamin, will take time to acclimatise.
Tom Davies | 6
Tom came on for Sigurdsson straight after the Blues were reduced to 10 men and the young scouser done everything he could to keep a disjointed midfield together in his short time on the pitch.
Was probably the more sensible candidate to replace Gomes in the first half.