Everton 4-0 Leicester - Post Match Everton Player Ratings
Everton players celebrate with Abdoulaye Doucoure after he makes it 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park (Source - Getty Images, Carl Recine)

Despite securing their second win on the bounce last time out in a 1-0 win at Brighton, there was still a level of anxiousness around Everton heading into the Leicester fixture. 

Everton fans have for too many years seen their side on the wrong side of 'must win' games so a certain tensity was always expected. 

Had the visitors have been victorious at Goodison Park,, they would have closed the gap between themselves and the toffees to just 3 points following their win over Tottenham. 

However, a goal inside 11 seconds from Abdoulaye Doucoure gave Everton a brilliant start after an outstanding long ball from Jordan Pickford. 

Just before half-time, a marvellous through ball from the returning James Garner played Beto through, and the striker slotted home for his second and his side's 3rd of the game. 

A late strike from Illiman Ndiaye after some really poor defending capped off a great display for David Moyes' side, giving the blues all 3 points, with three wins from their last three. 

Everton pull clear of the relegation zone

A win for Southampton away at Ipswich also meant that Everton are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone - a monumental achievement is such a short time frame from when Sean Dyche was sacked. 

Here are the Everton Player Ratings from today's win:

  • Everton Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 7.5

As with the toffees' trip to Brighton, Leicester offered very little in front of goal, leaving England's number 1 with very little to do throughout the game. 

His assist for Absoulaye Doucoure's goal was also extremely impressive. 

Vitalii Mykolenko - 6

The Ukrainian managed to get into many more attacking positions today. However, his crossing was quite underwhelming yet again. 

The left-back will need to improve offensively, if he is to impress Everton faithful.

Jarrad Branthwaite - 7

Another solid performance from the 22-year-old who managed to keep Jamie Vardy quiet for most of the game before he was subbed off early. 

James Tarkowski - 7.5

Despite struggling at the start of the season, Everton's captain has been a very consistent performer since the arrival of David Moyes. 

His assist for Beto's early strike was also extremely impressive. 

Jake O'Brien - 7

There certainly has to be questions asked as to why Sean Dyche didn't fancy the Irish international. 

He has been a real standout over Everton's recent win streak, and has sorted many of Everton's full-back problems. 

James Garner - 9

Garner has been out through injury for around 3 months but today he did not show signs of it. 

He was by far the best player on the pitch and completely dominated the midfield throughout the match. 

Idrissa Gana Gueye - 8

In a week the Senegalese midfielder was offered a new contract at the toffees, he pulled out yet another great performance in another victory. 

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 8

Despite struggling on the ball on occasion, today Doucoure proved how pivotal he is in Everton's system going forward. 

His goal inside 11 seconds was also the 4th fastest in Premier League history and the fastest goal ever scored at Goodison Park. 

Illiman Ndiaye - 8.5

Another outstanding display from Everton's talisman topped off with a well-deserved goal. 

Jesper Lindstorm - 7

Despite having little involvement today in attacking areas, he provided a lot of balance for his side on transition and, overall, had a very decent game once again. 

Beto - 8

Two goals today for Beto the day after his 27th birthday brings his Premier League goal tally this season to 3, level with Dominic Calvert-Lewin despite only starting 3 games. 

  • Substitutes

Ashley Young - 6.5

Tim Iroegbunam - 6

Nathan Patterson - 7

Jack Harrison - 5

Next up for Everton is the visit of Bournemouth to Goodison Park for an FA Cup 4th round tie. Then, the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park in midweek. 

A win in the derby would give the blues another massive boost in their hopes for survival going to Bramley Moore Dock.