Atalanta saw off Everton with a 3-0 thrashing at the MAPEI Stadium on Thursday night. The home team had to use goals from Andrea Masiello (27'), Alejandro Gomez (41') and Bryan Cristante (44') to earn maximum points at home. The Ronald Koeman's side apparently produced a dreadful performance as they barely launched counter attacks on Atalanta's half and fell three goals down. Gian Piero Gasperini's men held total control of the encounter and were able to maximize their chances in front of goal. Atalanta is on top of Group E with three points, while Everton are at the bottom of the group.
Here's a quick summary of this match.
Atalanta outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Etrit Berisha (seven points). Defender - José Luis Palomino (7.40), Rafael Toloi (7.15), Andrea Masiello (8.13), Hans Hateboer (6.88), Timothy Castagne (7.31). Midfielder - Bryan Cristante (7.53), Marten de Roon (seven points), Remo Freuler (7.21). Forward - Alejandro Gomez (8.52), Andrea Petagna (8.64). Used substitutes - Andreas Cornelius (six points), Mattia Caldara (6.23), Jasmin Kurtic (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Gian Piero Gasperini's men often stole the ball from Everton players and held a large quantity of possession throughout the match. They created lots of goal scoring opportunities from set pieces, through balls and long crosses.
Atalanta were good at converting their chances.
Style of play: they favored long and short passes. They largely launched attacks from the both sides.
Everton outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Maarten Stekelenburg (6.88). Defender - Mason Holgate (6.15), Michael Keane (5.89), Phil Jagielka (seven points), Leighton Baines (six points).
Midfielder - Muhamed Besic (6.54), Morgan Schneiderlin (6.28), Nikola Vlasic (6.53), Gylfi Sigurdsson (six points), Wayne Rooney (6.22). Forward - Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.67). Used substitutes - Kevin Mirallas (six points), Davy Klaassen (six points), Sandro Ramírez (6.53).
Team's strength and weakness: Everton was barely in the game.
They're often displaced from possession and couldn't launch any offensive assaults on Atalanta's half. Ronald Koeman's men were too aggressive in their tackles and gave away plenty of free kicks around the box.
Style of play — The Toffees were more defensive, they favored short passes and attempted long shot situations for rebound.
Man of the Match
Alejandro Gomez did well on the attack for Atlanta. Gomez single-handedly mal-handled Everton central defenders and in the process he scored a goal. He made four vital passes and completed a total of sixty-nine touches.
Group E next matches
Atalanta will travel to France to slog it out with Olympique Lyon on Thursday 28 September. The same night, Everton will play hosts to Apollon Limassol at the Goodison Park.
