While it was a long way from being an enjoyable game to watch, with quality proving to be extremely scarce, Everton have finally overcome their away hoodoo in the Premier League, picking up all three points at the bet365 Stadium.
Cenk Tosun scored the opener midway through the second half, but the Toffees didn’t hold the lead for long, sloppily conceding to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
However Cenk Tosun found a way through late on to bury 10-man Stoke, with Charlie Adam being sent off for the home side in the first half.
Tosun has now scored four Premier League goals in his last three games, a positive stat that Everton certainly won’t take for granted.
Without further ado, here are our Everton player ratings from today’s proceedings…
Jordan Pickford - 6
A fairly routine display from Pickford. He wasn’t tested too much, and dealt with most of his action well.
He could have done better for the equaliser, but then again so could his defence have offered him better protection.
Séamus Coleman - 7
Since his return, Coleman has offered Everton a renewed energy which is great to see.
Some of his crossing wasn’t overly sharp, but we’ll let it slide.
Michael Keane - 7
Keane keeps improving alongside Jagielka, who appears to help him develop a lot more than Ashley Williams.
Struggled to deal with Peter Crouch, but then again, who doesn’t?
Phil Jagielka - 8
Whenever Jagielka comes back into the side after a period away, you’re reminded just how good he was in his hay-day.
Fearless, and never afraid to put his head in where it hurts. A leader’s display from Jags today.
Leighton Baines - 6
Much more of a defensive display from the left-back.
When he did get forward though, he offered decent support from width.
Idrissa Gana Gueye - 6
Coming back in for the injured Gylfi Sigurdsson, Gana did what he always does. Put in the leg work, helped clean up in midfield and aid his team move forward.
Nothing flash, but an important part.
Wayne Rooney - 7
Wasn’t able to be as influential from deep as he was against Brighton, but he did still find space to create openings.
Tom Davies - 6
Offered energy in midfield and was never afraid to get stuck in, but unfortunately took a knock early after the restart and was hooked.
Theo Walcott - 7
Offered width and frequently proved tough for Stoke to handle, utilising his pace and intelligence to make smart runs.
Put in a great ball for Tosun’s second, too.
Yannick Bolasie - 7
Created the first goal well, and despite initially struggling against Glen Johnson, Bolasie grew into the game.
Cenk Tosun - 9
Tosun is clearly oozing confidence, and both of his goals today are worthy of praise.
Showed great poaching instinct to score the first, and the second was a very well taken header. Great to see the Turk growing into this side.
Subs -
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Didn’t really settle and missed several chances under pressure. Was unfortunate not to score shortly before Tosun’s opener.