View: 8/10 shines, 4/10 worthless again - Everton player ratings vs Aston Villa

Everton secured a crucial 1-0 win away to Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Mainly due to a lack of depth, Everton have been in poor form recently, with their latest defeat to Sunderland knocking them out of the FA Cup.

The Toffees needed a result away to Villa, and nearly took the lead after 11 seconds when Merlin Rohl’s effort came off the post.

Jake O’Brien thought he had given Everton the lead, only to see the goal ruled out as a result of an interference from Harrison Armstrong, who was deemed to be in an offside position.

Everton did eventually take the lead after 58 minutes, when Thierno Barry capitalised on an error from Emi Martinez and dinked the ball into the back of the net.

TBarry’s goal proved to be the only one of the game, with the Toffees securing all three points.

Merlin Rohl proves his worth to David Moyes

Rohl was starting to look like a complete waste of time at Everton, and his performance in the FA Cup defeat to Sunderland last weekend only backed that up.

As a result of a series of first-team absences, the German was handed another start, and on this occasion, he showcased the quality that he has to offer.

It was Rohl’s effort that came back off the post after just 11 seconds, and while he may think he could have done better, the run in behind was something that the Toffees have been missing this season.

Everton may perhaps have wished they got him involved in the game more, but overall, it was a solid display from Rohl, who is now more than worth another start.

However, it’s clear that his best role is a deeper one, as opposed to the attacking role that was given to him in recent weeks.

• Read more: Everton make approach for new transfer before Aston Villa clash

What does Dwight McNeil actually offer?

Everton are trying to sign Patrick Wimmer, and a big reason for that is because of how poor their wide options have been since Iliman Ndiaye jetted off to AFCON.

His absence has afforded Dwight McNeil an extended run in the team, and the former Burnley star simply hasn’t taken his chance whatsoever.

McNeil offered very little in an attacking sense against Villa, and while he did some good work defensively, the Toffees need far more from him.

With Ndiaye likely to be back for the next encounter, McNeil would be rather fortunate to start another game for Everton this season.

Everton ratings

Jordan Pickford – 7

Nathan Patterson – 7

James Tarkowski – 8

Jake O’Brien – 7

Vitalii Mykolenko – 6

Merlin Rohl – 8

James Garner – 8

Jack Grealish – 5

Harrison Armstrong – 7

Dwight McNeil – 4

Thierno Barry – 7 (for Beto 84′)

Subs

Beto – N/A (for Barry 84′)

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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