OPINION
Everton played out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, showing that you don’t need goals to provide a good spectacle.
Both teams went toe to toe throughout the game, with Marco Silva’s side showing that they are more than good enough to compete with the best the Premier League has to offer.
The Blues piled the pressure on in the second half but the Toffees refused to wilt and fully deserved their share of the spoils at the end of an engrossing contest.
As usual there was plenty to be gleaned from the contest, and This is Futbol has identified three things that can be learned from the game.
It’s time for Lookman to get a look-in
Theo Walcott did what he has done all season on Sunday as he produced yet another sub-par performance for Everton. The winger appears to have lost his way after a bright start to life at the club.
The former England international, on a reported £110,000-per-week on Merseyside [Source: Spotrac], needs to spend some time on the bench because he’s not been good enough so far this campaign.
It’s vital that Ademola Lookman is given a run of games in the first team. The youngster barely remained at the club this summer and the team risks losing him if he is not given sufficient first team opportunities. With Walcott struggling the timing is perfect for Lookman to make the step up.
Digne delight after dazzling display
Apart from a shocking miss from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s delivery, Lucas Digne was tremendous again at Stamford Bridge and has really emerged as a big part of this Everton team.
The Frenchman has found his feet very quickly in the Premier League and looks incredibly assured at left back. With Leighton Baines coming to the end of the road it appears as if the Toffees have found their replacement for the 33-year-old.
He was disciplined defensively, snuffing out the threat of Willian, and was largely fantastic going forward as well. His delivery is superb and he’s going from strength to strength at Goodison Park.
Draw shows progress club are making
Silva’s appointment this summer was intended to help Everton reach that elusive next level – it certainly appears as if they are on the right track.
Following a disappointment performance against Manchester United a few weeks ago it appeared that the Toffees’s weren’t ready to take on the big boys. However, they proved that narrative wrong with a sterling effort against Maurizio Sarri’s men.
It’s going to take a lot longer for Everton to crack the big six, if they ever do, but it seems as if the team is moving in the right direction again after what was essentially a lost season last time out.