BBC pundit issues verdict on Vitaliy Mykolenko display in Everton win

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Danny Murphy has told Match of the Day that he thought that Vitaliy Mykolenko produced his best performance in an Everton shirt in their dramatic win over Manchester United.

The Toffees bounced back from their agonising defeat in midweek at Burnley to pick up a vital three points. Anthony Gordon scored the only goal during the first-half at Goodison Park.

Frank Lampard’s side deserved the three points. They were clearly up for the fight. And actually, once they took the lead, they rarely look like conceding an equaliser. It was a superb performance given they could have ended the weekend in the bottom three.

But when the visitors did threaten, Everton were able to produce some outstanding last-ditch defending. And one of those who stood out was Mykolenko.

One of the moments that epitomised how well the Toffees defended came when Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a golden chance at the back post. By the time the right-back got a shot away, Demarai Gray and Ben Godfrey were either side of Mykolenko, all ready to make the block.

Ultimately, it was Gray who got in the way. But while reflecting on the incident, Murphy made a point of highlighting how good the Ukrainian left-back had been.

“They can be proud of this performance because they’ve had three games in a week. And right near the end of the game, your substitute Gray, left-back Mykolenko, who had his best game in an Everton shirt, and Godfrey, all desperately trying to stop the equaliser going in from Wan-Bissaka,” he told Match of the Day.

Vitaliy Mykolenko has stepped up as Everton battle to stay in Premier League

It has not been an easy few months for anyone at Everton, but particularly Mykolenko, given everything going on in his home country.

So he deserves enormous credit for playing so well in the last few games. He has been a shining light for the Toffees of late.

Even in the losses against West Ham and Burnley, he was better than most. He won the second penalty for Everton in the latter game.

They still have work to do. But the signs are now a lot more positive. And clearly, players such as Mykolenko are up for the battle.