Everton have taken a point against Premier League title hopefuls Chelsea, drawing 0-0 at Goodison Park.
There has been a real feel-good factor around the club following the takeover by The Friedkin Group earlier this week, and fans were feeling optimistic heading into today’s game.
It was always going to be a tough challenge, with Chelsea in fine form lately.
But Everton did well against the Blues, putting in a similar impressive defensive effort to what they did against Arsenal the weekend before.
Chelsea dominated the ball and had more chances. But the Toffees also had opportunities and on another, we could perhaps be talking about a smash-and-grab win for the hosts.
But many Evertonians would have taken a point before kick-off, and one man who played his part today in the defensive effort was Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Vitaliy Mykolenko shines for Everton in draw with Chelsea
Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton gestures during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Goodison Park on Decembe...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
It’s been a tough season for Mykoloneko so far.
Former Everton full-back Michael Ball described Mykolenko as Everton’s ‘weak link’ at the start of November.
After the defeat to Manchester United, Everton fans slammed Mykolenko for his poor display.
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But against Chelsea today, Mykolenko produced an utterly superb performance at left-back.
As per Sofascore, Mykolenko made a whopping 15 defensive contributions in the game. That was by far the most of any player who featured from either side, and six more than the player with the next most (Tosin Adarabioyo with nine).
Six of those contributions were clearances, three were interceptions, five were tackles and one was a block.
Mykolenko came up against a tricky opponent today in Pedro Neto, but the 24-year-old held his own when most probably expected him to get torn to shreds.
Mykolenko must build on Everton display
It was good to see Mykolenko putting in a much more solid display for Everton.
There has recently been some talk about Everton potentially moving for a new left-back due to Mykolenko’s struggles, and we’ll see what the club – under new ownership from The Friedkin Group now – decide to do in January.
But Everton fans would love to see more of this from £17 million man Mykolenko.
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