FEATURE: A MICROCOSM OF EVERTON'S SEASON

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In a campaign that looked set to see Everton move up to their next level under the world class guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the main issue that has seen the Italian’s side come unstuck is a lack of creativity and wasteful finishing.

Their latest match, a frustrating 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa was a microcosm of that very phenomenon.

Having slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the West Midlands side at Goodison just thirteen days before, the Toffees had bounced back with a solid 1-0 win at West Ham just four days before the rematch with Dean Smith’s side.

And almost entirely throughout the match, Everton were on top and leading attacks against the Villains but as has been the case on many occassions this season, they were simply unable to score. Whether it be through the defensive exploits of Emiliano Martinez or Tyrone Mings, poor decision-making in the final third or simply shots their attackers should have done more with, the Blues could not find a way through. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ben Godfrey and Andre Gomes on two occasions could have and perhaps should have given their side the lead but it was not to be.

One positive for Everton was the return of Abdoulaye Doucoure from a fractured foot and his seemingly endless energy helped nullify the Villa midfield and the hosts looked even less likely to break the deadlock than their visitors, even with the re-introduction of their opponents’ star man Jack Grealish after three months out with injury.

There will be many Evertonians scratching their heads at how Tyrone Mings escaped a red card after catching Calvert-Lewin on the shin with a high boot. However, both Martin Atkinson and VAR official Graham Scott deemed the incident no more than a foul and the England centre half was not even booked. The supporters’ frustration will have only been deepened when minutes later Mings cut out a Richarlison cross that Calvert-Lewin looked set to fire home in the dying embers.

A win would have seen the Toffees rise as high as sixth but in the end, they must settle for a point that sees them only climb to eighth, two points behind fifth-placed West Ham United. On another day, they would have swept to a twelfth away victory in the league this season but once again a failure to take their chances in front of goal has cost them.

Unless a miracle happens in the final stages of the season, this 0-0 draw will be seen as one of the many missed chances that have epitomised Everton’s campaign.