Here are your Everton headlines for Sunday, March 19.
Ellis Simms may yet spare Farhad Moshiri's blushes as pre-match drills give game away
For several transfer windows in recent years, Everton were linked with what would have been a record-breaking transfer for the then Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. But with the Serie A club’s outspoken Aurelio De Laurentiis at one point slapping a €100m price tag on Koulibaly's head, it always seemed like Fantasy Football.
While such a move for the Senegalese international might have seemed ambitious – like bringing in his former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Goodison Park when his time at the same club was up – in reality it would have smacked of the wild profligacy that has dogged Farhad Moshiri’s ownership.
VERDICT: Sean Dyche has just found two unlikely Everton heroes and priceless commodity in relegation fight
PLAYER RATINGS: Ellis Simms the hero and Abdoulaye Doucoure superb against Chelsea
Now in his 32nd year, Koulibaly finally made it to the Premier League last summer, joining Chelsea for the rather more knockdown price of £33m – still a figure greater than Everton have ever spent on a defender – but the hulking figure who for several seasons has been considered as being one of the strongest players in the game found himself brushed off with ease by Blues rookie Ellis Simms for what was his first goal in English top-flight football.
Chris Beesley has the full story.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter sends warning to Kai Havertz after Everton celebration
Chelsea manager Graham Potter offered a blunt response to Kai Havertz's celebration during their 2-2 draw with Everton.
The German sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way from the penalty spot to restore the Londoners' lead at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening before goading the England number one with his celebration.
It's the latest instalment of their bubbling rivalry, with the former Bayer Leverkusen prospect appearing to have some needle towards the Blues backline. It wasn't the first time that there has been back-and-forth between the two clubs - last season, Havertz was involved in an ongoing battle with Yerry Mina and Pickford, with the Chelsea attacker lucky to escape punishment after reacting to the defender.
His exuberant celebration proved to be in vain as Ellis Simms scored his first Premier League goal for Everton after slotting beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga. His goal handed the Blues a two-point cushion over the bottom three as Chelsea's hopes of a late push for the top four faded further.
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Ellis Simms reacts after scoring 'dream' first Everton goal to rescue Chelsea point
Everton have just given their clearest hint yet they can escape relegation
Richarlison leaves pitch in tears as Tottenham Hotspur handed injury blow
