Romelu Lukaku breaks his six-month barren spell by taking it out on a beleaguered Sunderland back four. The Belgian’s second half blitz transformed Everton as Ross Barkley watched on from the bench having been hooked at half-time. Here’s the final Stock Check of Gameweek 4….
On the Rise
Romelu Lukaku
Without a goal in his previous 12 Premier League matches, Lukaku notched his first and then filled his boots as Sunderland caved in.
You could almost see the Belgian grown in stature and confidence and with Yannick Bolasie storming down the right flank, Lukaku was able to help himself to a hat-trick in just 11 minutes.
He could and should have had more – Lukaku registered nine efforts on goal, six of which hit the target – no player in any Gameweek this season has matched those statistics.
With Middlesbrough at home next, followed by meetings with Bournemouth and Palace, it would seem that Everton’s fearsome front man has found form just as the fixtures fall into his lap.
Should he return points against Boro, those who brought in Lukaku for Aguero may well face a difficult decision come Gameweek 6.
Yannick Bolasie
A barnstorming performance from the DR Congo winger terrorised the Sunderland defence which culminated in him laying on Lukaku’s second with a sublime run and cross.
While Bolasie’s 6.0 price tag looked a step too far at Palace, in this kind of form and with Lukaku converting his supply, it suddenly seems very tempting indeed.
The winger was replaced late on with a knock, although he appeared to be suffering from cramp.
Leighton Baines
Back to back clean sheets and two bonus points tonight, Baines is up and running without finding assists or converting a spot-kick as yet.
The aforementioned fixtures could offer further returns, with Koeman’s Everton looking far more secure and efficient than the version under Roberto Martinez.
In Decline
Ross Barkley
Koeman’s ruthless decision to hook an ineffective Barkley sent a sure-fire message that will have shook the midfielder’s 18.6% ownership.
Brought in by over 60,000 prior to Gameweek 4 ahead of Everton’s favourable schedule, it’s now clear that Barkley’s pitch time is far from secure – Koeman will not be as lenient as Martinez with an inconsistent Barkley.
Everton’s second half transformation without him certainly puts Barkley’s start against ‘Boro in doubt.
Mason Holgate
Owned by 7.1% and transferred in by no less than 180,000 FPL managers heading into the Gameweek, it nonetheless came as no surprise when the 19-year-old gave way to Seamus Coleman.
It was convenient while it lasted but Holgate’s opportunities will now be limited at best. Even if Koeman switches to a three-man defence, he would seem unlikely to earn starts.
Patrick van Aanholt
The Dutchman stuck to his guns against a lively Bolasie in the first half but bizarrely, with Bolasie swapping flanks, he struggled in the second 45.
Caught out of position on numerous occasions, he may yet come under threat, although Moyes’ options appear limited.
