It was a (Stamford) Bridge too far again for Everton as their wait for three points at Chelsea extends into a 29th year. But in the circumstances, this precious point feels like a win as they came from behind twice to earn a share of the spoils.
While they still face a tough task ahead in their fight for Premier League survival, there were many positives to take from this battling display in west London clearly to suggest that under Sean Dyche, the Blues can at least retain hope that they could be back here to have another go next season at ending the hoodoo that has denied them victory here in a top-flight fixture since Paul Rideout’s header in Joe Royle’s first away fixture in charge back in November 1994.
Everton defended heroically for 52 minutes before their luck finally ran out as Joao Felix got the bit of good fortune needed to open them up when his shot went in off Jordan Pickford’s left-hand post.
PLAYER RATINGS: Ellis Simms the hero and Abdoulaye Doucoure superb against Chelsea
MATCH RECAP: Chelsea vs Everton final score, highlights and reaction
The visitors held their nerve and 17 minutes later they were deservedly level when Chelsea failed to deal with a Dwight McNeil corner which James Tarkowski flicked on at the back post and the impressive Abdoulaye Doucoure nodded over the line despite Havertz’s attempt to hack clear. Their joy seemed short-lived just seven minutes after that as the hosts restored their lead with a penalty.
Ben Godfrey and Tarkowski both steamed in on Reece James, prompting Darren England to point to the spot. It looked soft but if you dangle in such places, you run the risk and Havertz sent Pickford the wrong way from the spot.
This Everton side seems to possess more spirit under Dyche now, though, and with just a minute remaining of normal time, they equalised in glorious circumstances as Doucoure fed Ellis Simms for his first Premier League goal as the substitute coolly slotted past Kepa and sent the visiting supporters into delirium at the other end of the ground.
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