Ellis Simms' first Everton goal earns point at Stamford Bridge

Ellis Simms found the right time to open his Everton account after his 89th-minute leveller earned Sean Dyche’s team a point at Stamford Bridge.

It had been a relatively dull first 45 minutes in London with João Félix one of the bright sparks as Chelsea struggled to break down a very compact Everton side.

Fortunately, the second half offered much more. Just seven minutes after the restart Chelsea took the lead when Michale Keane’s interception fell kindly to Félix and the Portuguese forward managed to find the net.

The visitors got back in it from a corner that Dwight McNeil whipped into the far post where James Tarkowski headed down and Abdoulaye Doucouré converted from close range. Kai Havertz had looked to have cleared Doucouré’s header but the ball had already crossed the line by the time the German got there.

Just minutes later, Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Reece James was clipped in the area by Ben Godfrey. Havertz had no problem beating Jordan Pickford from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 76th minute.

Despite three wins in a row going into this game, Graham Potter’s team weren’t able to hold on to all three points. Ellis Simms received the ball outside the area and got the better of Kalidou Koulibaly, before finishing past Kepa Arrizabalaga to earn his first Everton goal.

It was a hard-earned point for the visitors who need just about every point possible as they try to avoid the drop. For Chelsea meanwhile, it felt like a small step back after the progress made in recent weeks.

xG: Chelsea (2.38) 2-2 (1.40) Everton

Ellis Simms' first #PL goal sees the points shared 🤝#CHEEVE pic.twitter.com/q7aZ4oJrOa

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 18, 2023