Simms’s late goal earns Everton a crucial point at Chelsea
2 min read
Everton gained a vital point in their fight against relegation after snatching a late draw at Chelsea.
The Blues squandered one-goal leads on two occasions, with the Toffees returning to Merseyside buoyant in their battle against the drop.
Chelsea came flying out the blocks, pushing for an opener from the off and almost getting one within the first five minutes with Mateo Kovacic firing just wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal.
The opening stages were a sign of things to come with the hosts continuing to dominate and Everton rarely making it out of their own half in the first 30 minutes of the match. Despite that though, Graham Potter’s wide weren’t able to create any clear-cut chances.
The visitors came out of their shells in the closing stages of the first half, getting on the ball more and causing the Chelsea backline some problems, but they weren’t able to force Kepa Arrizabalaga into action.
By the time the referee blew the whistle for half-time, the Spaniard hadn’t had to make a single save while Pickford’s three were all comfortable, with neither side ever really looking like breaking the deadlock.
Chelsea finally managed to do so at the start of the second half courtesy of Joao Felix, who controlled the ball on the edge of the box and sent it against the post and into the back of the net.
He then almost got an assist straight after but was offside, causing Christian Pulisic’s goal to be ruled out.
Going behind hardly sparked Everton into life with the match looking more likely to become 2-0 than 1-1 but they did look a threat from set-pieces and ultimately drew level from one just before the 70th minute with Abdoulaye Doucoure heading the ball over the line from close range.
Sean Dyche’s side couldn’t stay level for long though with Reece James winning a penalty under a challenge from James Tarkowski five minutes later, and Kai Havertz converting it to put his team back in the lead.
Chelsea looked comfortable after that and looked set to take the three as the game entered its closing stages, but a moment of magic from substitute Ellis Simms changed that, with the youngster taking on Kalidou Koulibaly and slotting past Kepa.
The hosts didn’t have time to respond after that with the two sides sharing the spoils.
