Jordan Pickford reacts during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on December 22, 2024.
After a momentous week off the pitch, Everton produced another positive display on it as they fought out a deserved 0-0 draw with Chelsea, who would have gone top of the Premier League with victory. Instead, they were frustrated by a determined Blues side who have now kept three straight clean sheets.
With new executive chairman, Marc Watts, watching on from the Goodison Park stands, he will no doubt report back to the club's new owners, The Friedkin Group, that this is an Everton team with their bit between their teeth once again.
After battling their way to a 0-0 draw at third-placed Arsenal last weekend, Sean Dyche's side did it again as they ended second-placed Chelsea's run of eight straight wins in all competitions.
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And here is how the ECHO rated the Everton players…
Jordan Pickford 8
Made three big saves in the first half, two from Nicolas Jackson and one from Malo Gusto, and then denied Enzo Fernandez after the restart. Booked for dissent.
Ashley Young 7
Tested Robert Sanchez from a free-kick, fresh from his goal against Wolves, and did very well in the opening period against Jadon Sancho, who grew in influence after the break. Booked.
James Tarkowski 7
Thunderous tackle on Fernandez in the second half that got the crowd up. Was troubled by Jackson in opening period.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Superb second-half tackle on Cole Palmer. Like Tarkowski, had his hands full with Jackson in the first 45 minutes.
Vitalli Mykolenko 8
On his 100th appearance for the club, won important back-post headers and made countless clearances.
Jack Harrison 6
Worked hard to help Young double up on Jadon Sancho, but missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring,
Idrissa Gueye 7
Did so much work out of possession as Chelsea looked to overload midfield, redeemed himself after nearly making late mistake.
Oriel Mangala 7
Close to giving Everton the lead with a 38th-minute long-range shot that was smartly saved by Sanchez, who kept out another of the midfielder's efforts in the second half.
Iliman Ndiaye 8
Always positive, drawing so many fouls, more of which should have brought cautions, and was denied a certain goal by Tosin Adarabioyo’s block. Booked.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 7
Picked the ball up in some good positions, his driving run forward laid on the first opportunity for Mangala.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6
Working hard up front on his own but had no chance to end his league goal drought, which now stands at 12 matches..
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Beto (73, for Calvert-Lewin) 6
Struggled to get into the game. Booked..
Seamus Coleman (73, for Young) 6
Brought on to help quieten the increasing threat of Sancho.
Jesper Lindstrom (73, for Harrison) 6
His cross-shot was saved by Sanchez, which led to Ndiaye going so close to scoring.