St Dom-index (Fulham 2-1 Everton)
Joel Robles – 6
Seamus Coleman – 6
Bryan Oviedo – 6
Sylvain Distin – 7
John Stones – 8
Darron Gibson – 6
James McCarthy – 6.5
John Heitinga – 6
Steven Naismith – 7
Gerard Deulofeu – 7.5
Romelu Lukaku – 7
Used Subs
Phil Jagielka – 6
Gareth Barry – 6.5
Kevin Mirallas – 7
Review
This really was the classic game of two halves. Everton were brilliant in the first half, particularly the opening half an hour and would have been out of touch if they had shown the required cutting edge.
Gerard Deulofeu was outstanding at times, but must add an end product to his game. His running with the ball was outstanding and he looked capable of scoring a goal at any moment. Martinez will continue to work on his decision-making, but Everton could have a very special player on their hands in the second half of the season.
Lukaku showed further signs of his rich potential, displaying power and strength as well as a fair amount of finesse when required.
John Stones enhanced his reputation and is certainly the next in line at centre back. Sylvain Distin will be feeling the pressure as the season progresses, because John Stones will be pushing hard for a Premier League starting position before too long.
Unfortunately Everton are out of the cup, and that was in most part due to a lack of concentration. Firstly Berbatov scored an equaliser and from that moment on it was anyone’s game. The defending that led to Fulham’s winner was diabolical, with Darron Gibson failing to pick up Bent in the Penalty area and the former Villa and Spurs striker had all the time in the world to fire home.
Everton did have further chances to level. Deulofeu firing inches wide after a brilliant “Messi” like dribble, but it was Seamus Coleman who missed the best opportunity, directing his shot back across goal with the net empty and gaping.
