Everton 0-2 Sunderland: Player Ratings

COSTEL PANTILIMON - 9

Colossal again, and kept us in the game as he has done many times this season. Great individual battle with Lukaku, and marshalled his back four well throughout. Man of the match.

BILLY JONES - 6

Dealt pretty well with the considerable threat of Leighton Baines, and made a purposeful burst forward which led to the opener. Formed a solid part of the ‘backs to the wall' job needed by the back four.

WES BROWN - 6

Timely return to the side for a man of his experience, in a game where we were under the cosh for long periods. Still looks like he has a centre half's mistake in him, but dealing with Lukaku is no easy task and he stuck to it well.

SEBASTIAN COATES - 8

Couple of vital blocks, which looked to be heading for ‘heart in your mouth' moments. Looks much more assured when he has O'Shea or Brown alongside him. Best game in the shirt, without a doubt.

PATRICK VAN AANHOLT - 8

Dealt with the threat of Seamus Coleman admirably, and got forward at every opportunity. Beautiful mazy run in the second half nearly led to a memorable goal.

LEE CATTERMOLE - 9

Heartbeat of the side, and we'd be lost without him. Yesterday was his kind of game, and he harried Everton all afternoon.

SEB LARSSON - 6

Typical Seb performance, but it was much needed in a game of that nature. Led the defensive press, and played in his part in the lead up to the opener.

JORDI GOMEZ - 6

A few nice touches from Jordi, but it was always going to be difficult for him in a game where the team was under pressure for long periods. Provided the initial shot for Graham's deflected goal.

CONNOR WICKHAM - 6

Worked back to help PVA out with Baines, which has been a feature under DA. Played too wide in the first half which left Graham isolated, but moved in behind the front two during the second which allows him to be more effective.

JERMAIN DEFOE - 7

Commendable work rate under DA as I could never have envisaged him tracking back to help out Jones as much as he has recently. ‘Heart in mouth moment' when he looked to have tripped Coleman in the penalty box, but the position he took up for his goal was that of an experienced poacher.

DANNY GRAHAM - 8

Fantastic to see him add to his ‘redemption in red and white' with an absolute worldy finish. Work rate fantastic as always, and hopefully the confidence boost he needs to kick on from here.

ADAM JOHNSON (SUB) - 6

Couple of bright moments from AJ, robbed Stones of possession in the lead up to the second and then provided the shot which Defoe deflected in.

STEVEN FLETCHER (SUB) - 5

played part in the second goal with a classic rugby tackle on John Stones, which luckily the ref didn't spot.

LIAM BRIDCUTT (SUB) - 5

Vintage Liam Bridcutt really.