Romelu Lukaku ended his goal drought in style with a hat-trick against Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday.
Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
Everton’s unbeaten start in the Premier League season continued as they defeated Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on Monday night, thanks to a hat-trick from Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian striker ended his 13-game goalless run in the Premier League in emphatic fashion with a quickfire second-half hat-trick.
The result takes the Toffees to third in the table with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches, while Sunderland stay 19th with just a single point.
Here is how the Everton players got on in their latest victory:
Goalkeeper
Maarten Stekelenburg: 7/10
Was rarely tested but did well when called upon to deal with Lynden Gooch’s cross-cum-shot and Lamine Kone’s close range header. A deserved clean sheet.
Defence
Seamus Coleman: 6/10
A relatively comfortable return to the side for Coleman who didn’t have too much to do at either end and remained solid throughout.
Phil Jagielka: 7/10
Stepped up well when needed in the first half but had little to do in the second as Everton strolled to victory.
Ashley Williams: 7/10
The Wales captain looks to be forming a solid partnership with Jagielka at the back following a second consecutive Premier League clean sheet. Had the usually threatening Jermain Defoe in his back pocket.
Leighton Baines: 7/10
Dealt with Adnan Januzaj and Duncan Watmore with the calmness and professionalism you would expect from the England international.
Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore in action with Everton’s Leighton Baines
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye: 8/10
Did well to pick out Lukaku for the opening goal and was professional and composed throughout as he won back possession on a number of occasions and broke down several Sunderland attacks.
Proving to be an excellent signing.
Gareth Barry: 7/10
Alongside Gueye in front of the back four, Barry is continuing to show real quality and experience despite his advancing years.
Where he lacks for pace, he makes up for in his ability to read the game and impose himself in the middle of the park.
Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj in action with Everton’s Kevin Mirallas and Leighton Baines
Yannick Bolasie: 8/10
His pace was a constant threat and his hard work was finally rewarded as he provided a perfect cross to the back post for Lukaku to grab his second.
A classy, albeit imperfect display.
Ross Barkley: 5/10
A disappointing evening on Wearside for the England international saw him withdrawn at half-time after failing to make any sort of impact on the match.
Kevin Mirallas: 6/10
The Belgian wasn’t as involved as he could have been, but he still provided the pinpoint through-ball to his compatriot Lukaku for his hat-trick.
Everton’s Ross Barkley in action with Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore
Attack
Romelu Lukaku: 9/10
After a frustrating first half that saw his point blank header tipped over by Sunderland stopper Duncan Watmore, Lukaku came to life in the second half with a clinical 11-minute hat-trick.
He could have had five or six in reality, as he came close a number of times before ending his goal drought on the hour mark with a close range header.
By the end of the game Lukaku looked a player back to his best and full of confidence.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal
Substitutes
Gerard Deulofeu (for Barkley 45′): 7/10
His introduction brought pace, energy and purpose to the Everton attack as he launched the counter-attack leading to the opening goal.
A very lively and positive performance from the young Spaniard.
Tom Davies (for Bolasie 76′): 6/10
The 18-year-old looked good on the ball during his brief spell on the pitch as he helped his side see out victory.
Arouna Kone (for Lukaku 89′): n/a
A decent shot was his only contribution.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman and Sunderland manager David Moyes
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