Everton vs. West Brom: Complete Player Ratings for the Toffees

Leighton Baines' two-goal salvo at Goodison Park was enough to see off West Brom and reinvigorate Everton's quest for Champions League football.

Both goals came towards the end of a forgettable opening period. The first was a fierce near-post effort after neat interplay between Baines, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman. The second, a coolly dispatched penalty following a foul on Victor Anichebe.

West Brom managed a second-half riposte through Shane Long, but—other than a Graham Dorrans free-kick that hit the crossbar—the visitors never seriously threatened Tim Howard's goal.

It finished 2-1, keeping the Toffees hot on the heels of Tottenham in the race for fourth place.

Here's a look at how David Moyes' side fared individually.

Tim Howard: 6.5/10

Howard was not pressed into significant action and appeared quietly assured throughout. He wasn't at fault for West Brom's goal, doing well to take Romelu Lukaku out wide and would have deserved a third clean sheet in a row.

The American seemed to have his angles covered for Dorrans free-kick and was vocal and assured at set-pieces.

Phil Jagielka: 6.5/10

Not a natural fit at right-back, Jagielka still gave a committed performance in the absence of Seamus Coleman, continually eager to press forward.

He lost his bearings on a few occasions when Lukaku entered his channel during the first half, but marshaled him well in the second period as the Belgian switched to a wider role.

Leighton Baines: 9/10

Another superb performance from Everton's left-sided marvel. Baines won the points for his side with a fine individual goal and followed it up with a typically authoritative penalty.

He also created two chances, sent in five crosses and was a constant presence going forward whilst never looking overly stretched at the back. Is there a better left-back in the Premier League?

John Heitinga: 5/10

Heitinga was lucky his mindless error didn't cost his teammates the points. It seems a harsh mark for one mistake, but his carelessness allowed West Brom to score, which completely altered the flow of the game. 

He did clear his lines effectively late on, and with Lukaku mostly grappling with Sylvain Distin, the Dutchman often found himself free to involve himself in the passing game, to which he contributed well.

Sylvain Distin: 7.5/10

Distin experienced one of his more physical games in the Premier League, lining up opposite West Brom's talented Lukaku.

The Frenchman came out on top of this enjoyable, all-action battle, needing every ounce of his pace and power to nullify the Belgian. He was unbeaten in the air, strong in the tackle and produced one of his better displays of the season.

Phil Neville: 6/10

Everton's captain was tidy enough in midfield and mopped up well after the more energetic tendencies of Marouane Fellaini.

Statistically the Toffees benefit from his presence on the field, however, he so rarely has any influence on a game. Even with runners in space ahead, he seldom looked for any form of adventurous pass and twice coughed up possession in dangerous areas.

Marouane Fellaini: 7/10

Continuing in a deeper berth, Fellaini gave his most accomplished performance back in his preferred role. It has taken him a couple of games to readjust, but West Brom witnessed him at his harrying, hustling best.

He rushed the visitor's midfield, won possession eight times and was the game's most prominent passer with 70 passes. The Belgian was also unlucky to be denied early on by the woodwork (for the fifth time this season).

Leon Osman: 7/10

Moyes surprisingly deployed Osman as one of his attacking trio behind Victor Anichebe, instead of in the deeper, central role where he's been performing all season.

He began on the right but interchanged throughout. Apart from a horrendous miss that should have wrapped up the result, he had a strong game, particularly in the final third where he was his side's most accurate passer. He also registered an assist . 

Kevin Mirallas: 6.5/10

Having been withdrawn at the weekend after just 17 minutes of his latest comeback, it was somewhat of a surprise to see Mirallas on the teamsheet—although it certainly provided the Toffees with a welcome boost.

The Belgian was clearly rusty from his lengthy spell on the sidelines, often misplacing his final ball. However, he continually cropped up in space and looked dangerous running at defenders.

Steven Pienaar: 7.5/10

Another influential performance from Pienaar, who orchestrated most of his side's attacking moves. He started in a central role, before switching the the left, where he linked up with Baines to devastating effect.

Unlucky not to score late on as his effort hit the post, he also created two chances, hit four shots and was more involved in the final third than any other player.

Victor Anichebe: 7/10

Preferred in attack to Nikica Jelavic, Anichebe grafted away and put in a commendable effort for his side.

Although he didn't manage any efforts at goal, he worked tirelessly for the cause and won his side a penalty with another powerful surge. It seems the Nigerian is finally beginning to realise his considerable potential.

Substitutes:

Darron Gibson: 6.5/10

Gibson was another player welcomed back to the squad after injury. Almost as soon as he entered the game it became clear just how much his side have missed his precise diagonals and general vision in open play.

He enjoyed 30 minutes back on the pitch, spraying passes around well, and must have a case for starting against Aston Villa.

Nikica Jelavic: n/a

Dropped after a barren run in front of goal, the Croatian will be desperate to get back among the goals. He appeared late on and kept possession well to help preserve his side's lead.

Statistics via EPL Index and WhoScored? 

Follow @Matt_Cheetham