Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat against Championship side Stoke City in their third pre-season friendly at the bet365 Stadium. Despite strong away support, the Blues were beaten by a second-half strike from 19-year-old substitute Gabriel Kelly.
Match Overview
David Moyes handed summer signing Hayden Hackney his debut, with the £16.5 million arrival from Middlesbrough playing in a deep midfield role alongside Harrison Armstrong for the first 45 minutes. Stoke fielded two entirely different teams in each half, and Kelly's long-range effort on the hour mark proved decisive.
Player Ratings
Mark Travers 7 - Made several good saves but could have done better for the goal.
Merlin Rohl 6 - Lively at right-back, forcing a save from Viktor Johansson.
Vitalii Mykolenko 5 - Looked leggy and struggled against Million Manhoef.
James Tarkowski 6 - Solid display despite an early misjudgement.
Michael Keane 7 - Dominant aerially and Everton's best defender.
Harrison Armstrong 6 - Neat touches but needs more confidence.
Hayden Hackney 6 - Tidy debut, combined well but substituted at half-time.
Tyler Dibling 5 - Few bright moments, but most threat came from the left.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6 - Worked hard; hit shot tipped over.
Tyrique George 7 - Main attacking threat despite final ball lacking.
Beto 5 - Had chances but couldn't convert.
Substitutes
Tim Iroegbunam (46) 5 - Mobile but failed to break through lines.
Thierno Barry (60) 5 - Loose touches.
Charly Alcaraz (60) 5 - Wasteful free-kick into the wall.
Jake O'Brien (60) 6 - Solid; headed onto crossbar from a corner.
Dwight McNeil (60) 6 - Set up O'Brien's late chance.
Adam Aznou (60) 6 - Offered more going forward than Mykolenko.
Tom King (60) 7 - Two good saves to keep score down.
Braiden Graham (70) 6 - Energetic cameo.
Eli Campbell (86) n/a - Late appearance.
