Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has expressed his delight for Ellis Simms after his equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
The Blues had to come from behind twice against the Londoners to secure an invaluable point at Stamford Bridge in their bid for Premier League safety. Joao Felix opened the scoring before Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot to restore their lead after the Everton midfielder nodded home from close range.
Graham Potter's side were on course for a fourth straight win in all competitions until the 22-year-old scored his first ever goal for Sean Dyche's side and opened his account in the English top flight. Simms breezed past the experienced Kalidou Koulibaly and slid the ball beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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The draw opens up a two-point gap between Everton and the drop zone after Leicester City and Southampton picked up a point each on Saturday. Leeds United moved above the Blues on goal difference thanks to their win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in an enthralling encounter at Molineux.
Doucoure couldn't hide his happiness for the youngster to open his account with the club, after obliterating goal records in the youth set-up, at a crucial time of the game and season for the Blues.
"I am so happy for him [Simms]," he said speaking to Everton's official website. "Everyone loves him - he's so funny! To score his first goal here is something that he is never going to forget, and we got the point because of him.
"We're very happy. We came up against a top side but we knew if we respected our game plan, we would have chances and we could get a result. I think that's how the game went today and we are happy with the point."
The focus now quickly turns to their next game but they will have to wait until April to rekindle their battle for Premier League survival when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Monday, April 3.
It remains to be seen what Spurs side turns up on Merseyside next month as the pressure mounts on Antonio Conte following his furious outburst after they let a 3-1 lead slip away at the struggling Saints.
"Of course we know every point is going to matter," Doucoure added. "Especially when you play and you want to get something. I think tonight we showed great character, and we have to build on it."
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