Everton vs Chelsea: Player Ratings

Martinez watches on as his side defeat Chelsea

Here we have my player ratings for Everton and Chelsea's encounter:

Everton:

Howard - 7 

The American played well and was reasonably comfortable for large parts of the game. He made a great save to keep Ramires out and was commanding from crosses as per usual. No problem for Howard today. 

Coleman - 8

Coleman was excellent going forward and keeping Cole and Hazard at bay. As well as making sure Cole was quiet, he caused his counter-part problems for the whole match. He also was forced to handle Eto'o at times and looked incredibly comfortable. Maturing all the time, Coleman could be vital for Everton to achieve success this season.

Jagielka - 7

The Everton captain led by example. Solid, composed and commanding, he kept Chelsea's debuting striker Eto'o quiet and handled the threat of Torres when he came on, if there was any.

Distin - 6

The Frenchman, as his team-mates in defence, was comfortable for large parts of the game. His decision making at times could improve as he tends to just boot the ball forward when he's under pressure. 

Baines - 7

As ever, Leighton Baines was reliable going forward and defending his own box. He did well to shut down the threat of Shürrle, then of Ramires. He also had to deal with Ivanovic bombing forward. He still had an impact on the game as he hit the crossbar in the last few minutes of the game and his delivery from corners were fantastic.

Osman - 7

What stood out in Osman's performance was his industry along with Gareth Barry's. He shut down the Chelsea midfield and made them rush their passes which kept them on edge. Having an important part to play in the goal as well, Osman will be happy with his performance.

Barry - 8

Everton's debutant Gareth Barry was my man of the match. Let's be honest, not much was expected from Barry. With him out of the Manchester City team, and looking for first-team football elsewhere, his career was looking downhill. Until today, he dominated the midfield in the first half along with Osman, and in the second half himself and Osman worked in unity to grind the win out. 

Mirallas - 7 

Looked a constant threat throughout the game, especially when he switched position to centre-forward. Caused huge problems in the Chelsea defence and at times looked unplayable. Martinez clearly has another option up front if he ever needs one.

Barkley - 8

The 19-year old was very impressive. His first big test against major opposition and he held his own superbly. He was a pleasure to watch as he took on the Chelsea defence whilst always trying to carve up openings to shoot. Almost like watching a young Wayne Rooney, he was relentless in his work ethic, and the sky's the limit for the youngster.

Jelavic - 6

Although he had an assist and what a superb header across goal it was, he didn't have a big impact on the game itself. Martinez would've expected him to keep the ball a bit more, and play in others and possibly score himself. His goal drought continues, although he seems to be getting closer.

McCarthy (Substitute) - 5

Another Everton debutant, he came on in closing stages of the game and added the extra engine the Toffees needed to close the game out. 

Stones (Substitute) - N/A

Came on in added-time, look forward to seeing him as the season goes on.

Deulofeu (Substitute) - N/A

Same as Stones, came on quite late on but he will surely get more game time as the season progresses.

Chelsea: 

Cech - 6

Despite Everton having large amounts of possession in the first half, Cech wasn't forced into many saves. The second half was even quieter, although he had to make comfortable save from Mirallas. He was completely helpless for the goal.

Ivanovic - 6

This was a special performance from Ivanovic, for all the wrong reasons. He had a few chances with headers he could've done a lot better with and also his crossing was quite disappointing. Usually calm, he seemed to lose his temper a few times and looked constantly frustrated. 

Luiz - 5 

Debatably should have been sent off in the closing stages, Luiz didn't look comfortable against Everton. He was commanding as always, stepping into midfield but he then would attempt miracle passes that never reached their target. Never really looked fresh from his international duties and could've done better for the goal. 

Terry 5 -

Unlike Jagielka, he was hardly inspirational as a captain today. Like Luiz, he tried to step into midfield at times and he didn't look as comfortable as he usually does. Terry was no where to be seen for the goal and his lackluster defending costed his team the game. 

Cole - 5 

Sadly, Cole was shown up today. He was completely overwhelmed by Everton's right wing, with Naismith and Coleman relentlessly putting him under pressure. Going forward, he was comfortably dealt with and didn't have his usual impact whilst attacking.

Ramires - 6 

Had a good chance to score out of nothing which forced a good save out of Howard. The engine was there as usual and he looked more effective when he was put on the right wing. He put in a few good crosses and showed some good bits of skill but never really took off during the game.

Mikel - 5

Hardly had an impact on the game. Mikel was comfortable in possession but often went sideways or backwards when he could've shown a bit more imagination. 

Shürrle - 7

Shürrle was probably the brightest out of the front 4 along with Hazard. He had some good chances he could've done better with, especially his one on one with Howard but as the games go on he's looking more and more dangerous.

Mata - 5

Disappointing performance from Mata. After not having limited opportunities in the first few games, everyone in football might've wanted him to shine today although he never really got his rhythm together. 

Hazard - 6

The Belgian was dangerous as ever but never got that break he needed to break through the Everton defence. His lack of defending to help Cole was one of the reasons why Chelsea lost, and he'll need to improve on his defensive duties if Chelsea are to challenge this season.

Eto'o - 5

Eto'o was signed to solve Chelsea's striker crisis. With Torres and Ba looking out of sorts, the new signing had a lot of pressure to perform on his debut. Sadly he couldn't deliver. He looked rusty and clearly wasn't match fit. 

Lampard (Substitute) - 5

Although he came on in the 56th minute, he didn't have the desired impact on the game that Mourinho would've wished. Comfortable in possession, he never got into the box or created any opportunities.

Oscar (Substitute) - 6

The Brazilian looked bright when he came on. Unlucky not get a free kick after a few minutes of coming on, he was always looking to thread a pass through but never found it. His range of passing was a joy to watch.

Torres - (Substitute) - 4

When he was brought on, it was like Chelsea had 10 men. Torres was ineffective for the period he came on as he comically fluffed an effort in the Everton box. Yet again, disappointing.