A late goal from Ellis Simms earned Everton a crucial point in their Premier League relegation battle as Sean Dyche’s side drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Joao Felix opened the scoring early in the second half before Graham Potter’s side were pushed back by Abdoulaye Doucoure in the 69th minute. However, Chelsea were awarded a penalty four minutes later, converted by Kai Havertz, and the London side looked set for a comfortable end until Simms scored in the 90th minute to force a tie.
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“We showed them a little too much respect in the first half but after that we got back into the game and responded well to falling behind twice,” Dyche told Sky Sports.
Chelsea shadowed a first half with few chances and little real quality. Felix had the best chance in the first 45 minutes but drilled his shot straight into Jordan Pickford as Graham Potter’s side were unable to capitalize despite dominating possession.
Felix broke through seven minutes into the second half, scoring his second goal since signing for Chelsea in January and his first at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Chilwell’s low ball into the box was blocked by Michael Keane into the Portuguese striker’s run, who turned and fired a precision left-footed shot at the right post.
Four minutes later, US striker Christian Pulisic fired an emphatic shot into the far corner before his goal was ruled out for an offside by Felix under construction.
Although Everton rarely threatened the Chelsea goal, he leveled in the 69th minute through Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Dwight McNeil’s corner was headed towards goal by James Tarkowski and Doucoure blasted the defender’s attempt over Kepa Arrizabalaga and just over the line before Kai Havertz flicked the ball away. Referee Darren England checked goal-line technology before signaling the ball had crossed the line.
But just four minutes later, assist Tarkowski tripped over Reece James in the penalty area to concede a penalty. Havertz landed on the right side of the net while Pickford dived the other way.
The game seemed to be going in Chelsea’s favor until substitute Simms pushed through Chelsea’s defense and scored his first Premier League goal in the last minute of regular time.
“I’m really happy with the mentality growth. There were many questions about Everton’s away form and the mentality around it,” said Dyche. “It’s been improving all the time.”
The point helped Everton move up to 15th in the table while Chelsea sit 10th.
