STATS: Mirallas’ contribution for Everton vs O’Shea’s interceptions for Sunderland
Everton v Sunderland, Saturday 15:00
Everton will likely have been at a loss to explain how they left Craven Cottage with only a point after drawing with Fulham in a match which they dominated. Two goals from the hugely influential Marouane Fellaini propelled David Moyes’ side into a commanding position but unfortunately they could not prevent a last-gasp equalizer from Fulham.
Fellaini has been central to Everton’s excellent start to the season and is now ranked as the 12th best player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
The imposing Belgian has an excellent return of five goals from 31 shots at goal with 19 on target, making him a more prolific threat on goal than the likes of Carlos Tevez (4 goals from 16 shots), Juan Mata (4 goals from 19 shots), and Fernando Torres (4 goals from 16 shots).
Kevin Mirallas made an excellent contribution to Fellaini’s first goal for Everton, his third assist of the season having contributed 15 crosses, 9 dribbles, and 100 passes in his opponents half this season.
Leighton Baines continued to rampage up the flank for Everton against Fulham last timeout, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index clocking him as the Toffees’ fastets player on the day at 19.93mph.
Sunderland’s dire run of form continued at home to Aston Villa, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat last time out. Whilst on paper they appear to possess no small amount of attacking talent, their midfield creativity has been stifled of late, leaving the like of Stephen Fletcher with a distinct lack of opportunities.
Fletcher has 5 goals from 14 shots at goal this season, with 10 shots on target according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
The rest of the Sunderland team have amassed just 24 shots on target between them this season. Both Luis Suarez (26) and Jermain Defoe (25) have had more shots on target as individuals this season.
One bright point from the game against Villa was John O’Shea’s reading of the game. The former Man Utd player made 25 interceptions in the game, the third highest by a player in a single game all season.
Adam Johnson also continues to do his best to create opportunities for his team mates, and delivered 9 crosses against Villa, the third highest of a player in a single game this season. Overall he has delivered 22 crosses without being credited an assist, the second highest of any player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.