clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Everton at Hull City: Player Ratings

In a game with nothing to play for, Everton were the better side.

Jan Kruger

Hosts Hull City could be forgiven for having bigger things than the visiting Everton on their minds - they take on Arsenal at Wembley next week in the FA Cup final. Since the Blues had little to play for as well, there was a decidedly pre-season friendly feel to this game. The gaffer even rested Ross Barkley and John Stones in anticipation of their England selection.

Tim Howard - 6.5

Didn't have much to do really - dived at the feet of ex-Blue Nikica Jelavic and made another couple of routine saves.

Leighton Baines - 6.5

Baines played most of the game well up the field, getting in some decent crosses as well. Looked to have one eye on the upcoming World Cup.

Phil Jagielka - 5.5

Roy Hodgson might be a little concerned about Jagielka right about now. He has not looked up to speed after returning from his hamstring injury. Was slow again yesterday and made a clumsy challenge to that led to him being booked. Luckily he has a full month to go to regain match fitness.

Sylvain Distin - 6

The Frenchman was not expected to play again this season, but was at his imperious best again. A model defender, the fans will be glad to see him back next year.

Seamus Coleman - 6

Coleman could have been forgiven for being slightly off the boil here. After all, he had just nabbed both the Player's Player of the Year and Club Player of the Year awards a couple of days earlier.

Aiden McGeady [off 69'] - 6

The tricky winger often displays scintillating footwork. Unfortunately, he is very prone to losing the ball too easily as well and this is an aspect of his game he needs to work on. He is capable of producing some deadly crosses, though those were not evident yesterday.

James McCarthy - 8

It was quite unbelievable that a player who played such a stellar role in the team's performances this season had failed to nab a Premier League goal. McCarthy corrected that anomaly yesterday popping up to finish Naismith's through ball for a much-deserved goal.

Gareth Barry - 7

Barry would be right to be displeased with his continuous omission from the England ranks. An experienced defensive midfielder of his ilk is worth his weight in gold, and Hodgson might yet rue this decision. Barry was a stabilizing feature once again.

Leon Osman [off 77'] - 7.5

A better day out for Osman. He seemed rejuvenated and was getting everywhere, controlling the ball and distributing it with ease. Orchestrated both goals on the day too.

Steven Naismith - 6.5

There has got to be some sort of award to give Naismith this season. Comeback player of the year? Misunderstood player of the year? Has absolutely flourished under Martinez this season, popping up with important goals and assists at key moments of the game. Wonderful through ball to McCarthy for the first goal too.

Romelu Lukaku [off 90'] - 7

The Belgian had a better day yesterday in what could possibly be his last game for Everton. His aggression was controlled and he absolutely hulked his way through the Hull defence for his goal. His first touch remains a big issue, but you have to remember he's still young.

Subs

Gerard Deulofeu [on 69'] - 6

Deulofeu yesterday was everything that is good and bad about him. Dripping with talent, he loves taking on defenders and skipping by them with deft footwork. He does lose the ball too easily at times and tends to go down under minimal contact, things which could curtail his career at the top.

Steven Pienaar [on 77'] - N/A

Good to see Pienaar back on the pitch. His experience will be invaluable in spot duty next season in Europe.

Lacina Traore [on 90'] - N/A

Can't say I'm hoping to see him back next season.

Manager

Roberto Martinez - 7

Not enough superlatives to describe the boss. The man and his beautiful attacking football has allowed Toffees to dream about things like Europe and even the Champions League in a season we expected to struggle to be in the top half of the table. He had his game plan perfect yesterday against an unmotivated team, and the game ended up being a walk in the park.