Everton and Huddersfield Town's stuttering starts to 2018-19 continued with Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Goodison Park. A largely dour affair briefly threatened to spark into life late in the first half with two goals in as many minutes, although that short burst of entertainment was never replicated in a scrappy second period.
The Terriers edged into the lead as Philip Billing nodded in from a set-piece for his maiden Premier League goal.
But less than 90 seconds later, Dominic Calvert-Lewin got on the end of Lucas Digne's centre to net with a header of his own — unfortunately for the paying spectators, the last action of note as neither side could force a winner in a contest high on industry but low in quality.
The point was arguably a better one for Huddersfield, which, aided by the strong base of a five-man defensive line, had few troubles inside the first half an hour and, following a brief period of pressure of its own, edged ahead in the 34th minute.
Chris Lowe's corner was inadvertently flicked on at the near post by Calvert-Lewin and Billing was free to head home from six yards. But the lead was swiftly cancelled out as Digne's cross from the left was guided into the bottom-right corner by Calvert-Lewin, who atoned for his unfortunate part in the opener.
Steve Mounie stung the palms of Jordan Pickford early in the second period but that was a rare moment of goalmouth action as the game descended into a series of niggly fouls. That appeared to suit Huddersfield, which had two narrow escapes as substitute Ademola Lookman's dangerous ball across the face of goal just evaded Gylfi Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin headed Leighton Baines’ corner over late on.
What it means: Everton the early-season draw specialists
Marco Silva remains unbeaten from his first four Premier League games as Everton boss, although three of those have been draws. Huddersfield, meanwhile, heads into the international break with only two points to its name.
Pat on the back: Calvert-Lewin on song for Toffees
After two goals in the midweek EFL Cup win over Rotherham United, Calvert-Lewin capped a productive four days with the equaliser here — a strong response to having unwittingly set up Billing's header.
Boot up the backside: Terriers defence goes to sleep
Having forged ahead, Huddersfield's backline was guilty of switching off within two minutes as Calvert-Lewin was left all alone to nod the leveller. Had the visitor got to half-time ahead it could have been a completely different story.
Key Opta facts
- Huddersfield Town has not won any of its last 15 away games against Everton in all competitions (D3 L12), last winning there 2-1 in the top flight in September 1937.
- Everton recorded its 200th score draw in the Premier League, more than any other team in the competition.
- There were just 87 seconds between Philip Billing giving Huddersfield the lead and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser for Everton.
- Since the start of last season, Calvert-Lewin has been directly involved in more goals for Everton in all competitions than any other player (11 goals, six assists).
What's next?
After the international break, Silva's side plays host to pointless West Ham while Huddersfield also returns on home soil, with Crystal Palace set to visit the John Smith's Stadium.
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