West Brom vs. Everton: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Everton finally got their season up and running with a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory at West Brom.
Though the Toffees were fortunate—with both goals somewhat gift-wrapped—Roberto Martinez will be delighted to secure a first win of the season. He will also be buoyed by the football played with a two-goal cushion, as his side looked visibly lifted.
The scoring began after just two minutes, as Romelu Lukaku collected Jonas Olsson's errant clearance and curled a precise shot past a fully stretched Ben Foster.
It was Foster who then turned provider for the Toffees, falling over Kevin Mirallas' 66th-minute shot to seal the Baggies' fate.
Here's a look at main winners and losers from this Premier League clash.
Winner: Romelu Lukaku
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Lukaku is an obvious winner, having notched the game's first goal.
Facing his former side, the powerful forward showed class with his finish as well as his reaction, refusing to celebrate against his former home fans.
It was Lukaku's first strike of the season and first ever Premier League goal for an actual employer. His previous 32 had all been for West Brom and Everton, while still owned by Chelsea.
Lukaku has yet to show his best form after a disrupted summer, and Martinez will hope this goal can spark a potent spell in front of goal.
Loser: Jonas Olsson and Ben Foster
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As mentioned, West Brom were in an accommodating mood at the Hawthorns, handing both goals to Everton after a pair of individual gaffes.
Olsson's sloppy clearance was clinically converted by Lukaku, while Mirallas' long-range shot squirmed under Foster's body.
The fact Everton struggled for creativity, finishing with just a single shot from inside the area, will further compound the Baggies' frustrations. Without Foster's and Olsson's gifts, three points would have been by no means guaranteed for the visitors.
Winner: Gareth Barry
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Typically understated in his work, Gareth Barry was one of Everton's leading performers throughout this game.
The 33-year-old led the the Toffees' passing, as is so often the case, connecting with 68 of his 73 passes—15 more than any of his team-mates.
Even more crucial, though, was his disruptive work when not on the ball, as he limited the home side's fluency. He won possession 10 times, double the return of any Everton player, and he also recorded four of the Toffees' seven interceptions.
Having played a key role throughout last season, Barry's influence gradually waned over the final few months. He remains an important player at Everton, and fans will be encouraged by these signs of a return to form.
Loser: Alan Irvine
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In a battle between two sides without a win, the defeated manager was always going to be branded the ultimate loser.
For Alan Irvine, it seems time is already against him. The home fans were vocally irate at their side's inability to trouble Tim Howard in this game, raising ironic applause after their solitary shot on target.
Everton's former assistant manager has been fighting a losing battle ever since his surprise appointment. According to the Express and Star's poll, 84 percent of the West Brom fans were against his arrival back in June.
With just one point from four games, that 16 percent won't be lingering long.
Winner: John Stones
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John Stones will be lauded in many Everton quarters simply for his involvement in this match.
Having shipped 10 goals in three games, equalling the Toffees' joint-worst defensive start to a season, many fans demanded Stones' selection. Sylvain Distin's late injury presented an opportunity and the move coincided with a timely clean sheet.
In truth, Phil Jagielka was the far busier defender in this match, putting in a mammoth 17 clearances for his side; however, Stones deserves all the accolades he gets.
He made an especially eye-catching last-man tackle on Saido Berahino and brought some much-needed security to a beleaguered back line, which, at just 20, is a hugely impressive feat.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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