Everton 3-0 Leeds United: player ratings, heroes and villains as Man Utd’s Donny van de Beek runs show

Everton picked up a deserved victory with Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek catching the eye on his full debut.
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Frank Lampard recorded his first Premier League victory as Everton boss in a dominant 3-0 victory over Leeds United.

The Toffees recorded just a second win in 16 league games but it eases growing fears of a relegation battle and offers plenty of encouragement for the remainder of the season.

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Everton made a lightening start to the game and got their rewards after just 10 minutes.

Donny van de Beek, into the starting XI for his full debut bafter arriving from Manchester United last month, slid in a low cross and the ball dropped kindly for the onrushing Seamus Coleman, who nodded home.

The Toffees continued to dominate and deservingly doubled their advantage on 23 minutes.

Anthony Gordon whipped in an inviting corner and Michael Keane rose highest to power home a bullet header.

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Lampard’s troops were unlucky not to have gone into half-time further in front, with Leeds keeper Ilan Meslier making a good save from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In stoppage-time, the visitors almost reduced the arrears when Rodrigo saw his 25-yard effort hit the bar - having also struck the woodwork earlier in the game.

The second period proved more of a subdued affair, with Leeds hardly threatening Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.

And the Blues wrapped up all three points with 13 minutes remaining when Richarlison’s effort from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.

The heroes

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- Donny van de Beek: what a performance from the Manchester United loanee. Ran the show from kick-off in the engine room. Showed excellent control, composure and vision on the ball, with his cross leading to the opening goal. Van de Beek’s work off the ball also didn’t go unnoticed and he never stopped running.

- Alex Iwobi: the Nigeria international has plenty of detractors among fans. But the was arguably his best game in a blue shirt. Caused Leeds plenty of problems from the outset and displayed endeavor off the ball. Now must build on a fine display.

- Jonjoe Kenny: another who has his critics but the homegrown defender was faultless. Kept Leeds’ talisman Raphinha quiet and also offered a threat going forward down the left flank.

Everton celebrate after Seamus Coleman’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesEverton celebrate after Seamus Coleman’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Everton celebrate after Seamus Coleman’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The villains

- Raphinha: Leeds needed their big player to step up in the injury absence of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford. However, the Brazilian barely did anything throughout the first half and was hooked at the interval.

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- Marcelo Bielsa: oversaw an insipid performance. Leeds were second best in all departments and Bielsa failed to change things when Plan A clearly wasn’t working. His double substitution at half-time also emphatically failed.

- Daniel James: very quiet after two goals against Villa midweek. The one chance that did fall for James, he hesitated and Mason Holgate got back to make a fine tackle. Also booked for a cynical foul.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesLeeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Player ratings

Leeds: Meslier 6, Ayling 5, Llorente 5, Struijk 4, Dallas 5 (Hjelde 9; 5), Koch, 5 Raphinha 4 (Roberts 46; ), Rodrigo 6, Klich 5( Forshaw 46; 5) Harrison 5, James 4.

Everton: Pickford 7, Coleman 8, Holgate 7, Keane 8, Kenny 8, Allan 7, van de Beek 8, Iwobi 8, Richarlison 8 (Rondon 86), Gordon 8 (El Ghazi 81), Calvert-Lewin 7 (Dele Alli 72; 6).

What’s Everton’s next fixture?

The Toffees make the long trip to Southampton next Saturday (15.00).