Ellis Simms has a chance he probably did not believe he would get.
For him, his goal at Chelsea was a dream come true. For his club, the near-3,000 supporters in the away end and the many more following from afar, it was one vital, unexpected point closer to Premier League survival.
The celebrations, on and off the pitch, demonstrated the importance of a goal that came after Simms had sought out Sean Dyche at Finch Farm just days earlier, asking him how he could make an impact in his new boss’ side. He delivered at Stamford Bridge in the most emphatic manner possible and, in a side that has struggled for goals and which needs a genuine striker, he now has an opportunity to play a key role in a big 10 games for Everton.
READ MORE: Aleksandar Mitrovic set for 'lengthy ban' as Everton and Liverpool watch on
READ MORE: Ellis Simms 'next step' is clear after Everton show new side against Chelsea
Simms deservedly captured the headlines with his last minute strike at Chelsea, the 22-year-old brushing past the experienced Kalidou Koulibaly and maintaining his composure. Dyche later described it as “a fine run and a fine finish”, adding: “He stayed calm for his finish. He turned the after-burner off and he is quick and he is strong… They are good qualities to have.”
It was his first goal for the Blues at the ground where he had made his senior debut last season. But that first appearance did not pave the way for many more - Simms instead going on loan to Hearts. The academy striker then travelled with the Everton squad to the USA in the summer but, on a trip in which the likes of younger starlets such as Lewis Warrington and Stanley Mills shone, he had little opportunity to make an impression. He was not in the thoughts of Frank Lampard and yet another loan move, this time to Sunderland, had always appeared likely.
Even when he was brought back from that Championship stint in January, the noises from Finch Farm were that he would be a squad player, that he would be an extra figure on the training ground and not seen as the primary answer to Everton’s forward problems. At the time, Lampard said: “We have to look at everything in our hands and Ellis is our player." The hope remained, however, that new signings would play a larger role. That was highlighted in his use by Lampard who, of four games with Simms available, gave him just 15 minutes - the last seven with Everton already 4-0 down to Brighton and Hove Albion and then the final eight minutes in the defeat to Southampton.
Simms is a goalscorer, his record has made that clear. He scored seven goals in 21 games at Hearts and had already hit seven for Sunderland when he was recalled. His impact in the North East was such that Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman described Simms' departure as a moment of "real disappointment".
The extent to which Dyche saw potential in Simms is unclear, but he was clearly willing to give him a chance when he arrived. The move to start him in the Merseyside derby was a shock and a gamble that did not pay off, but it gave Simms a sign that Dyche was willing to place faith in him. Dyche made the decision based on instinct. It did not work but did provide both player and manager with a worthwhile lesson. And the pair did persevere. Neal Maupay and then Demarai Gray have since taken on the lone striker role but Simms has stayed involved and was unfortunate not to claim an assist when his clever ball played Abdoulaye Doucoure through against Leeds, only for the midfielder to delay his shot for too long.
Off the pitch, Simms has continued his work - his determination showcased by his approach to Dyche last week. Dyche recalled that conversation: “He came up in the week actually and asked me ‘what do you think?’ I said: ‘Well. What do you think?’ He gave me four things and I said ‘you are right’. It’s taking action. These players know the things they have got to do, it is just a strange situation and they need guidance, someone to say ‘yeah you are right so therefore take ownership and do it’.”
What happened next was, of course, captured on Sky Sports cameras and beamed to millions around the world. “Honestly, I can’t put it into words,” Simms later said. “I have been working hard to come up with this. It’s a dream come true to score my first Premier League goal. It’s been about patience. I’ve had to wait for my chance. Obviously, we have top players, so I am not just going to walk straight into the team. I have to work hard in training and when I get the opportunity, I have to take it with both hands.”
Dyche dismissed the suggestion it took Simms courage to seek him out last week but was clearly pleased with his clinical contribution on Saturday. Gray, James Tarkowski and Doucoure have been among the players to publicly declare their delight for the youngster too.
Simms’ goal has sent Everton into the international break with momentum and offered a glimpse of what he might be able to do, particularly if Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues persist into the final 10 games. Dyche is refusing to get carried away and used his post-Chelsea press conference to highlight areas for Simms to improve. But he did acknowledge there were “good signs”. He said: “Sometimes you are going on a gut feeling. We started him at Liverpool, he found it too tough but it was a great learning curve and I said he would learn from it. He’s training with the first team all the time and he has learned from that. I’m not over-egging it with him, it’s letting the environment teach him. And then he comes on and gets his reward for working hard and fighting hard. There’s other things he can do better. The physical side of things seemed a challenge for him and I said ‘well that has got to change’. The game tells you what you need from it physically… But it’s great signs for a young player who has got the freedom to come out at Stamford Bridge, join in and create a fine finish and a fine moment for the team and the fans.”
READ NEXT:
Doucoure revival should spark Everton competition with challenge for Onana
Graham Potter namechecks four players in expert view on new 'tough' Everton
Marco Silva sent off in triple red card drama that could hand Everton a big boost
Abdoulaye Doucoure has new Everton role as Sean Dyche reveals big change behind scenes
- National media spot 'unlikely hero' for Everton in Chelsea draw
