Vitalii Mykolenko followed his best attacking performance of the season by putting his body on the line to help Everton secure a draw at Fulham.
The 23-year-old earned the praise of both Frank Lampard and James Tarkowski after the trip to Craven Cottage, the pair namechecking the Ukraine international as they heralded a resilient display from the Blues. Lampard was clear in the aftermath of the goalless draw that there is room for improvement but, while Everton faded as an attacking force in the second half, Jordan Pickford later highlighted how this was a match the club would likely have lost last season.
The new-found solidity has been inspired by the arrival of Tarkowski and centre back partner Conor Coady but Lampard now has a spine he can depend on. And Mykolenko's performance showed the value of contributions from across the team.
