Everton experienced a game of two halves on Seamus Coleman’s return to Sligo Rovers for their first pre-season friendly of 2024.
Going back to the Showgrounds where the Blues captain started his career before moving to Goodison Park in January 2009, Everton found themselves 2-0 down at the break and then after 11 half-time changes, 3-1 behind before a late quickfire brace from Youssef Chermiti spared their blushes to earn a share of the spoils.
It was a fortunate result for the visitors who had spurned a series of earlier opportunities to find the net and were guilty of some embarrassing mistakes at the back as they shook off the rust.
First halfJoao Virginia 5
Wasn’t helped by Campbell’s under-hit back pass which resulted in the corner for the opener and although he saved in the build-up to the second, he was beaten by Darie Patton with the rebound.
Seamus Coleman 5
Not the dream return to Sligo for their Prodigal Son as Everton’s captain found himself on the back foot too often while his team-mates squandered the chances that came their way.
Elijah Campbell 4
Difficult outing for the teenager as he picked up a booking for a bad challenge that sparked an angry melee then played Virginia into trouble with an under-hit back pass.
Tyler Onyango 6
Given a chance at centre-back after impressing there for the Under-21s having been converted from central midfield late last season but still very much looks like a work in progress.
Michael Keane 5
Aerially dominant as we’ve come to expect but as the senior centre-back on show, he’ll be disappointed by his side’s defensive collapse.
Jenson Metcalfe 7
Everton’s youngest player but the brightest performer in a difficult first half as he was a bundle of energy going up and down the right wing.
Idrissa Gueye 5
A few clever passes but unable to dominate proceedings in the manner you’d expect.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 5
Deployed deeper alongside Gueye in a 4-4-2 but he too was one of the Everton players who felt he should have got himself on the scoresheet, only to find his finishing somewhat rusty.
Dwight McNeil 6
Lively performer, not just on the left wing but cutting inside into different positions but squandered an inviting chance to score by firing his shot too close to the keeper.
Neal Maupay 4
Back following a loan spell at Brentford after just one goal in 32 competitive games for Everton, this was unfortunately more of the same as he wasted several great chances.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 5
Movement looked encouraging from Everton’s number nine but his finishing was rusty in this first pre-season game of the summer as he too spurned the decent opportunities that fell his way.
Second halfBilly Crellin 5
Played into trouble by Holgate’s careless back pass which left him exposed.
Roman Dixon 6
Gutsy display from the replacement for man of the moment Coleman, pushing forward with lots of energy.
Ashley Young 6
Deployed at left-back, Everton’s oldest ever outfield player looked solid but he could have done with getting a bit closer to Holgate to prevent his moment of slackness.
Reece Welch 6
Was played into trouble by Holgate for the third goal and tried to make himself a handful in the opposition area from set-pieces but was unable to make inroads.
Mason Holgate 5
Pulled one back with a close range header but went from hero to villain with a sloppy back pass that sold Tyrer short and resulted in the third Sligo goal.
Jack Harrison 7
Played a smart delivery to find Chermiti in the build up to Holgate’s goal and produced a determined showing down the right wing, setting up Chermiti for his first.
Tim Iroegbunam 7
Encouraging second half display in the engine room from the new boy signed from Aston Villa as he kept things ticking over with some nice movement and touches.
James Garner 6
Industrious outing from the midfielder who had a bit of bite about him.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
Played down the left wing and looked lively, bringing a fair few gasps from the crowd as he jinked through challenges.
Youssef Chermiti 8
Got the flick-on to set up Holgate’s goal but after a series of misses, he proved to be Everton’s late two-goal saviour, pulling one back with a cheeky back heel before netting the equaliser just a minute later with a low, curling effort.
Beto 6
Energetic, wrecking ball display but despite the encouraging noises we’ve heard about his displays in training, he still lacks polish.
