Everton’s preparations towards the 2023-24 Premier League season with a late 1-0 victory over Stoke City.
The Toffees needed a last-gasp Amadou Onana goal to claim a triumph in a largely laboured performance at the bet365.com Stadium.
Everton struggled to build any real momentum in the first half. Their best chance arrived in the 17th minute when Michael Keane nodded down a free-kick and the ball fell for Abdoulaye Doucoure - although he saw his shot well blocked.
Jordan Pickford was largely untroubled in the Toffees goal, with Stoke City unable to create any clear-cut chances despite getting into good areas.
The second period did improve somewhat but Sean Dyche’s visitors were given a big let-off when Potters striker Jacob Brown found himself in all sorts of space inside the area on 54 minutes. However, he failed to connect with his first shot before Pickford saved the second attempt well.
In credit to Everton, they did finish the game strongly and spurned two big chances. Amadou Onana picked out felllow substitute Lewis Dobbin inside the box but he steered his effort off target.
Then moments later, James Tarkowski spotted the run of Dobbin but the forward couldn’t quite compose himself and prodded wide.
And in the sixth minute of stoppage-time, Everton finally found the back of the net. From a corner, Tarkowski rose highest to head across goal and there was Onana to finish from close range.
Here’s how we rated the Everton players.
9. Abdoulaye Doucoure - 5
Had Everton’s best chance of the first half when his effort was blocked and sloppy in possession on occasions. Improved slightly after the break being subbed in the 83rd minute. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Alex Iwobi - 5
Energetic enough in the opening period but didn’t have enough of a threat in the final third. Similar in the second half. | Getty Images
11. Arnaut Danjuma - 6
Had to wait until the 11th minute for his first touch and one blocked shot was the highlight in the first half. Forced to play centrally when he’ll want to feature on the flank. Subbed at the break. | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
12. Dwight McNeil - 6
One of Everton’s better players in the first half, winning two free-kicks that led to Stoke City bookings. Couldn’t quite get a shot off when tee-up in the second half which resulted in a whack to the ankle - and subbed on 69 minutes. | Getty Images