Frank Lampard’s Everton gained a point on their travels against a Fulham side who have been in impressive form under former Blues manager Marco Silva.
Neither side could break the deadlock with both goalkeepers being at their best.
Everton are the first visiting team to keep a clean sheet against Fulham at Craven Cottage this season.
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 29, 2022
Jordan Pickford and co. hold firm.pic.twitter.com/vneXICElsY
The first half started in a hectic fashion with Everton on the front foot looking the more likely side to open the deadlock in the opening stages with Dominic Calvert-Lewin showing threat in-behind and Demarai Gray stinging the fingertips of Bernd Leno at his near post.
Fulham responded quickly though and made Jordan Pickford make some saves of his own tipping over Willian’s effort and turning Alexander Mitrovic’s header over the bar.
After the lively opening the game died down into a slower pace with a few half chances for both sides with both of Everton’s centre backs Conor Coady and James Tarkowski having tame shots easily saved by Leno.
The second half was devoid of any real quality with Willian being Fulham’s biggest threat but Pickford was up to the task just like the first half.
A point for Everton takes them to twelfth place in the league with Leicester City up next for The Toffees.
Player ratings:
Jordan Pickford: 9
Effectively got Everton the point with some superb saves in the first half to deny Willian and Mitrovic. Was on his best form in the second half as well pushing away another fierce attempt from Willian.
Seamus Coleman: 3
Couldn’t contain Willian nor cope with the pace of Antonee Robinson hence why he was taken off in the second half.
James Tarkowski: 7
Made a tone of blocks as per usual adding another clean sheet to his record with Conor Coady. Was lucky to not concede a penalty in the first half grabbing onto a Fulham player whilst defending a free-kick. Should have done better with a free header in the first half as well.
Conor Coady: 7
Made a vital interception to block Robinson’s cross in the first half and was smart enough to not get into a battle with Mitrovic leaving him to have five shots off target.
Vitaliy Mykolenko: 6
Put in some good deep crosses in the first half and was solid up against Neeskens Kebano meaning he had to be taken off.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 4
Lucky to escape without a serious injury after Mitrovic’s dreadful tackle in the first half. Struggled to make a mark in the midfield as he couldn’t get on the ball.
Amadou Onana: 5
Got stuck in throwing himself into challenges and was unfortunate to pick up a yellow card. Like Gueye though did not have too much impact on the ball meaning Everton could not control the tempo.
Alex Iwobi: 4
Was barely involved in the game with the home side having the majority of the game and winning the midfield battle.
Anthony Gordon: 3
Lack of end product on show a lot as he got into good spaces but could not make the most of it.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 5
Looked lively in the first five minutes and also made a pivotal defensive header in the early stages. Had such a good chance after a Gray cross but couldn’t make enough contact with the ball. In the second half his teammates could not get him in the game enough and he was caught offside one too many times.
Demarai Gray: 6
Probably Everton’s best attacking threat in the game making things happen and his shot forced the best save out of Leno. Unlucky to not get an assist with his cross to Calvert-Lewin.
Substitutions:
Nathan Patterson (Seamus Coleman 65): 4
His pace meant he was able to deal with Willian a bit better. Back from injury and he will be looking to get his space in the starting line-up back.
James Garner (Idrissa Gana Gueye 65): 5
Was brought on to try and get Everton more on the ball in the middle of the park but instead his most Important contribution was to deny a tap in for Fulham.
Dwight McNeil (Demarai Gray 76): n/a
Touched the ball seven times.
Neal Maupay (Anthony Gordon 86): n/a
Touched the ball twice.
