Digne: I would swap first Everton goal for win over Watford

Lucas Digne says he would have swapped his first Everton goal for victory against Watford FC but was happy to step-up and take responsibility.

Digne curled home a sublime free-kick in the sixth minute of stoppage-time to rescue a points for the Toffees after a below-par display at Goodison Park.

The 25-year-old has become a firm fan favourite following a string of impressive performances following his summer move from Barcelona.

He looks every inch the natural successor to Leighton Baines, and the manner of his goal on Monday was reminiscent of the former England left-back in his pomp.

Though clearly delighted to net his first goal for the club, the France international admitted it was a bitter-sweet moment as it only secured a point rather than three.

He told the club’s official website:

“We are disappointed, we wanted to win the game, we were at home and the fans always push us,”

“We needed to be more decisive in our play… but we saved ourselves from defeat.

“I believed I could score and said to Richie [Richarlison] to leave me the free-kick. I am happy to score the goal but I would have preferred to win.

“We needed to take responsibility and I wanted to take responsibility for the free-kick.”

Back-to-back draws at home to Newcastle and Watford have left everyone frustrated and feeling that four points have been needlessly dropped.

To make things worse, the Toffees travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday before taking on third-placed Tottenham immediately before the festive period.

Digne, though, isn’t deterred by the daunting fixture list and insists the side will be ready.

“We are here to play against the best teams and we need to work and prepare in the best manner for those games.

“We need to be more focused and continue our work.

“Watford showed there are no easy matches in the Premier League but now we have to be focused for the next game against Manchester City.

“It will be hard and we need to prove we can win against the big teams.”