Everton vs Manchester United: Player Ratings

Everton hosted former boss David Moyes and his Manchester United side on Easter Sunday, looking to complete the first League double over the Red Devils in 44 years. As we all suspected, Martinez came up trumps, and his game plan was perfect this time around.

Tim Howard - 7

Howard had to make two saves all game long, one that came off the head of Barry. That should tell you all you need to know about how abjectly miserable United were in attack, and how well the Blues shut them down.

Leighton Baines - 8

The England leftback bounced back yesterday with a spectacular performance. Playing all afternoon with a chip on his shoulder, Baines buried the penalty for the first goal to keep his 100% spotkick record intact, and then hassled and harried to win the ball and create the Blues' second. On the defensive side, kept Nani insignificant for most of the game.

Sylvain Distin [off 45'] - 7

A hamstring injury curtailed his afternoon, but he was excellent until that point. Wayne Rooney was a non-factor as the two centerbacks swallowed him up whole - the ex-Everton man didn't register his first shot on goal until the 87th minute. Never one to shy away from fan contact, Distin got into a bit of a shouting match with a Twitter follower after the game.

John Stones - 7.5

The Legend of Stones continues to grow. Another commanding performance in front of Howard ensured that United would return empty-handed from this fixture. With the game comfortably in hand by halftime, all he had to do was ensure the Red Devils didn't approach the box and he succeeded, almost too easily. Javier Hernandez sparked some life when he entered the fray but was almost immediately snuffed out by the youngster.

Seamus Coleman - 8.5

A spectacular performance from the Republic of Ireland rightback yesterday. Take a look at his heat map - Coleman spent more time in the United half of the pitch than he did his own. He got back when he needed to, helped cut out crosses and was almost always first in line when breaking out of the Blues' half. Deserved a goal, and was one of many contenders for Man of the Match.

Gareth Barry - 7.5

Solid performance by Barry in what was his last home game of the season as he is ineligible to take on his parent club Manchester City. His running mate McCarthy and he ensured that the attacking trio of Shinji Kagawa, Juan Mata and Rooney were closed down quickly and often.

James McCarthy - 8

Picked up a few Man of the Match votes after this performance. Restored to the starting lineup, he showed the gaffer exactly what he brings to the side flying into tackles and getting his body in front of just about every shot that United were able to muster on the day.

Kevin Mirallas [off 94'] - 7.5

Sparkled in attack, showed his range of pace and trickery as he switched from left to right and terrorized Chris Smalling and Alexander Buttner. Excellent finish for his goal, beating David De Gea low from a tight angle.

Ross Barkley [off 70'] - 6

Barkley had an up and down game - looked most involved when Everton had the ball and were attacking, but almost disinterested when the Blues were defending. Did help shut down the United midfield with his constant harrying of the ball carrier, but collected a needless yellow as well.

Steven Naismith - 6.5

Spurned an early chance created by Lukaku, but didn't have a bad game. All the Blues did well in letting United have the ball but keeping close tabs on them.

Romelu Lukaku - 6.5

Lukaku was slightly better than he has been in the last few games - he last scored against Arsenal, and looked like he had one when the hapless Phil Jones parried his goal-bound shot away with his arm for a penalty. The Blues desperately need another starting-caliber striker for back-up next season.

Antolin Alcaraz [on 45'] - 6.5

The sight of Alcaraz warming up after halftime filled some Everton fans with trepidation - the last time the Chilean played was the debacle at Anfield. However, their fears were to be unfounded as he stepped in seamlessly and shut down United.

Leon Osman [on 70'] - 6.5

Brought on to give the midfield some stability and ball control, Osman fulfilled his brief just when United were starting to press with some urgency.

Aiden McGeady [on 94'] - n/a

Token late substitution to run out the clock and give Mirallas a standing ovation.

Roberto Martinez - 8

After the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, Everton needed a strong answer, and Roberto provided the script. Everton were happy to cede possession to United, thereby allowing them to hit the visitors on the break, a strategy that proved most effective. Martinez has probably also learned that he should never break up the Barry-McCarthy pair intentionally, it'll be something he'll come to regret.