Jordan Pickford 9
Untested in the first half as Everton were rampant but stood his ground after the break as Brighton tried to battle back, saving well from Pascal Gross and substitute Solly March before a stunning stop to push Evan Ferguson’s header onto the post and then spectacularly denied him on several more occasions.
Nathan Patterson 8
Involved in an engrossing duel with Kaoru Mitoma who had run him ragged in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park, he stood his ground and it was the alertness of his early interception that paved the way for Everton’s first goal.
Vitalii Mykolenko 8
One of the Ukrainian international’s most-encouraging displays of the season, he defended tenaciously throughout and was also street smart when required, cleverly getting himself between Ferguson and the ball to snuff out danger as Brighton tried to claw their way back in.
AS IT HAPPENED: Brighton 1-5 Everton goals and reaction
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Yerry Mina 8
Back with a bang to play under Sean Dyche for the first time, we almost had the full repertoire here from the Colombian who was booked for time-wasting in the first half, winding up opponents – prompting a shove from Deniz Undav – while winning his fair share of headers among it all.
James Tarkowski 8
Playing with another central defensive partner but whoever he’s alongside, this warrior looks to be the dominant force at the back and he was commanding here.
Idrissa Gueye 8
Worked tirelessly to protect his defence behind him, he took the yellow card for a challenge on Mitoma on the touchline in the first half just as the winger looked set to break free, at least sensing danger when it came his way.
James Garner 8
Could have got himself on the scoresheet in first half stoppage time but his shot was block but again we saw how he brings a different dimension to Everton’s midfield with his passing range, trying to pick out team-mates in what was a frenetic contest.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 9
Cometh the hour, cometh the marathon man, he enjoyed a dream start as he kept his composure to slot home Calvert-Lewin’s cross at the back post with an assured finish just 34 seconds into the contest and then things just got better as he started and finished the move for the second, picking out McNeil in his own half, charging upfield and firing home on the volley while remaining lively as a foil to his striker despite picking up a booking.
Alex Iwobi 8
Was a bundle of energy, working hard and playing a part in the build-up to the first and third goals, picking out Calvert-Lewin for the first and Doucoure for the third although he arguably should have done better with that one – not that it mattered – and then doing plenty of tracking back as Brighton pushed after the break before providing the assist on the break to find McNeil for the fourth.
Dwight McNeil 10
Inspired when both attacking and defending he was positive throughout, brilliant setting up Everton’s second goal, getting at Brighton’s defence and then delivering the inviting cross for Doucoure to finish and then benefitting from his ‘shoot on sight’ policy for the third when his low delivery from the left went into the net of goalkeeper Jason Steele’s leg before grafting hard in the second half and being rewarded with a tap-in after his fancy footwork took out Steele and left Dunk on his backside and then completing his 'hat-trick' with an emphatic stoppage time strike.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 8
No goal from Everton’s number nine but an otherwise complete centre-forward’s performance, his terrific work to put Abdoulaye Doucoure’s chance on a plate for his goal with a dazzling pirouette followed by assured low cross for the assist and has gone on to lead the line well and his booking in stoppage time seemed harsh.
Amadou Onana (on 86 for Gueye)
Replaced his team-mate who was on a booking for the latter stages.
Neal Maupay (on 86 for Calvert-Lewin)
Ditto. Against his previous club.
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