Five Telling Stats from Everton’s Draw with Watford

It’s been a bad 10 days for Blues, with five points having been needlessly flittered away as the gap to the “Big 6” re-emerges.

Lucas Digne may have scored a lovely last-gasp free-kick to rescue a point, but what went wrong against Watford on Monday?

Let’s see what the numbers tell us…

Outbattled

Everton lost 54.6% of duels

Watford’s second half success was undoubtedly built on them outbattling Everton and typically being first to second balls. Indeed, Watford won 54.6% of duels in the game, and an even more resounding 57.1% of aerial duels.

This week needs to be a learning curve for Everton after dropping points against two physical sides they should be beating at home.

A Game of Two Halves

Watford dominated start of second half

Despite it being a very disappointing result for Evertonians – and even a point the Blues were lucky to steal – Everton actually put in a good performance in the first half, but struggled to match Watford’s intensity in the second half.

Before Watford had even scored, they dominated after the break, with 35.5% of the action in Everton’s defensive third and Watford dominating possession seeing 62% of the ball in this period.

Richarlison Returns

Only Salah, Aubameyang and Kane have scored more this season

Richarlison put in his best Everton performance in over a month against his former club and showed his ruthless streak once again to put the Blues ahead in the first half.

The Brazilian is a natural finisher and has seen 75% of his 20 shots hit the target this season, with eight of those finding the net.

More of the Same from Walcott

Winger still lacking impact

For the ninth consecutive game that Theo Walcott has started, he’s had the fewest touches (25) of any outfield Everton player.

Indeed, his replacement, Lookman, almost matched him in terms of touches (21) despite only replacing him in the 65^th minute. Lookman did, though, make more passes and crosses than Walcott in his cameo.

Defensively, too, Walcott came up short again and was the only starting player not to make a tackle or interception.

Hopefully Walcott can rediscover the intensity he brought when he first joined Everton in January, but in the meantime, Lookman simply has to start ahead of him.

Digne Dominant

Frenchman puts in 5 successful crosses

As well as scoring his first Everton goal in injury time, Lucas Digne was again a driving force from left-back, coming second only to Andre Gomes in terms of touches and number of passes. A very reminiscent performance of Baines in his pomp.