Everton 2-0 Norwich: player ratings, man of the match, heroes and villains

Everton got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Goodison Park.

The Blues opened the scoring in the 29th minute through an Andros Townsend penalty before Abdoulaye Doucoure secured the three points with his 77th-minute intervention.

It takes Rafa Benitez’s side up to fifth on 13 points after six games - level with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Hereos

- Andros Townsend: what a signing he has proven to be. With Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both absent, it was the former Crystal Palace winger who grabbed the ball to take up spot-kick duties. He never looked like he was going to miss and nonchalantly finished straight down the middle.

- Allan: the Brazilian was the unlikely winner of Everton’s penalty. But his hunger and desire to burst into the box led to him being brought down by Ozan Kabak and gifted Everton the chance to break the deadlock.

Abdoulaye Doucoure: bossed the engine room throughout the game. Doucoure cleverly sniffed out the danger when Norwich were on the ball and was a constant threat going forward. His goal was the least he deserved for his performance. Man of the match.

Villains

- Ozan Kabak: the former Liverpool loanee had an afternoon to forget on his return to Merseyside. His clumsy challenge brought down Allan and it was a surprise a VAR review was needed for the decision to be given. In the second half, he was booked and then was lucky to avoid a second yellow when he felled Demarai Gray. No surprise that he was subbed off.

- Daniel Farke: the Norwich manager is under some pressure after six straight league defeats. Despite Everton being depleted of key players, the Canaries scarcely threatened throughout.

- Kenny McClean: moments before Doucoure’s goal, Norwich had a free-kick in a dangerous area down the right flank. However, McClean’s delivery was extremely poor and he missed everyone in the box to send the ball for a goal kick.

Player ratings

Everton (4-4-2): Pickford 7, Godfrey 6, Mina 7, Keane 6, Digne 7, Doucoure 9, Allan 8, Townsend 8 (Gordon 76), Iwobi 7 (Dobbin 89), Gray 8 (Davies 83), Rondon 7.

Norwich (3-5-2): Krul 5, Gibson 5, Hanley 5, Kabak 4 (Rishica 69; 5), Aarons 5, Normann 6 (Tzolis 69; 5), Lees-Melou 5, McLean 5, Williams 5 (Giannoulis 86), Sargent 5, Pukki 5.

What’s next for Everton

The Blues make the short trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford next Saturday ahead of the international.

The clash is the early 12.30 BST kick-off.

The Red Devils were defeated 1-0 at home by Aston Villa earlier today.