Everton picked up another point towards their Premier League survival bid on Wednesday evening against Watford.
Unable to breach the backline of the hosts, Frank Lampard's side were helped by Leeds United's defeat at Elland Road to Chelsea, with the Blues two point clear of the Whites having played one game fewer. Fixtures against Brentford, Crystal Palace and Arsenal remain for Everton, who may view last night as a missed opportunity to solidify their top-flight status.
Watford, who were already relegated heading into yesterday's contest, dominated the headlines prior to kick-off after poaching Forest Green Rovers' manager Rob Edwards behind the back of recent League Two champions, who released a furious statement condemning the conduct of the Premier League side.
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In what was a result that was of little use for either side, here is how the national media reacted to Everton's display.
'Support has been unfailing'
Dominic King of the Daily Mail wrote:
"Crucially, Everton's fate remains in their own hands. Leeds crumbling at Chelsea's hands has put them on the brink and should they lose to Brighton on Saturday - and Lampard oversees a Goodison Park win against Brentford 24 hours later - the job will be done.
"Some will feel it should have been done here. News filtered through of Mason Mount's goal at Leeds and it only added to the relentless positivity that was being shown in the away end, with those who had travelled down from Merseyside providing a soundtrack of encouragement.
"It is amazing what a cause to pursue and unity can do for a fan base; such was the passion on show, it's difficult to imagine the Evertonians would have been any noisier had their team being pursuing a trophy. Through the most challenging times, their support has been unfailing."
'Maddening, funny and absolutely instructive of a 0-0'
Vithushan Ehantharajah of the Independent wrote:
"There were times at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night when you had to remind yourself that this match between Watford and Everton meant something. Everton still had work to do to preserve their top-flight status, and Watford, relegation confirmed last weekend, had pride to play for.
"And yet, on 75 minutes, as Everton tried to go for the win, but not too much, Watford fans began a rendition of “we’ve lost the ball” – occasionally ramping up the volume for “we’ve got the ball” - that only came to an end when applause filled the air for Craig Cathcart’s substitution. And then they started up again.
"It was maddening, funny, and absolutely instructive of a 0-0 only Everton fans will remember, and only for the next couple of weeks."
'How are these players not offering more?'
Sam Dean of the Telegraph wrote:
"Every point counts at this stage of the season, especially in a scrap to avoid a calamitous relegation, although Everton will surely feel that it should have been more. This draw with relegated Watford moved them a small step closer to safety, thanks in large part to Leeds United’s defeat elsewhere, but their battle is far from over.
"Three points here, against an under-strength and lowly opponent, would have all-but-ensured Everton’s safety. Instead they remain within reach of both Leeds and Burnley ahead of the nervy final few matches.
"Time will tell how damaging this failure to win, at the ground where almost every other team has won this season, might prove to be for Frank Lampard’s team. It was hardly an encouraging performance, either, with Everton struggling horribly to fashion clear chances against limited opposition. Once again, the same question came to mind: how are these players not offering more?"
'There was in fact a game to win'
Molly Hudson of the Times wrote:
"The away side were roared on by vocal travelling support while the home faithful were more subdued with pockets of empty seats around the ground. After their shaky start Everton grew into the match, but were unable to find the final ball.
"Both teams emerged invigorated after the break, as though both managers had reminded their players there was in fact a game to win. Moussa Sissoko glanced his header from a free kick wide, before Richarlison saw his deflected shot turned behind by Ben Foster. The positive intention, at least, drew extra decibels from the away end.
"If Everton were lacking a little confidence in front of goal, they should have taken it from Watford’s defensive ineptitude — having failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 22 top-flight matches at home."
'Progress clear despite extended anxiety'
Joe Thomas of the ECHO wrote:
"That hopes were raised so high by the win at the King Power Stadium - and against Chelsea the week before - shows how far Everton have come in recent weeks.
"Once again attention will now turn to what they can achieve at Goodison Park. Hopes rest on their L4 fortress, where they will have chances to strengthen their position against both Brentford and Crystal Palace before travelling to Arsenal on the final day of the campaign.
"That could have been avoided had they found a way to turn one point into three at Watford. But, for this Everton side, this season, that would have been too straightforward."
