Everton analysis - Jarrad Branthwaite watched as two significant issues clear

Leading the line

So for the first time since Beto capped a 3-0 win over Newcastle United on December 7, an Everton centre-forward scored a goal – well one that was given – but ultimately it was all in vain.

You have to go back to the reverse fixture at the London Stadium on October 29 for a starting Blues striker to find the net – when Dominic Calvert-Lewin became the fourth player to score 50 Premier League goals for the club – but after having his effort away to Tottenham Hotspur disallowed and then another at home to Ange Postecoglou’s side taken off him and awarded to Jack Harrison instead, Sean Dyche dropped his number nine following a 20-game barren streak.

Few would argue that Calvert-Lewin, who has netted six goals against West Ham United in previous outings, isn’t still Everton’s most-accomplished frontman but his replacement Beto offers a threat through the significant dollop of chaos factor that he brings.

While his penalty was poor – more on that below – Beto’s powerful, if often somewhat unrefined play occupies defenders and he at least recovered from that setback to find the net with his headed equaliser. On a day when the Blues were profligate with their finishing though, his effort when one-on-one with Alphonse Areola that went straight down the goalkeeper’s throat remains another disappointment.

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Paying the penalty

Since spot-kicks were first introduced in 1891/92, Everton have never had a season in which they weren’t awarded a penalty and their effort here keeps up that record.

The Blues even had one for and one against