Date: 19 August 2023

Venue: Goodison Park

Attendance: 39,572

Final Score: Everton 3–3 Fulham

Everton were held to a pulsating 3–3 draw by Fulham in their first home match of the new season, as the two sides traded blows in a back-and-forth encounter at Goodison Park. Despite twice coming from behind and briefly taking the lead late on, the Toffees were denied all three points after a second goal from Andreas Pereira capped a frustrating afternoon.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré were the scorers for Everton in a performance full of attacking verve but ultimately undone by defensive lapses.

Everton Lineup 📝

Injuries continue to shape manager Gavin Jones’ selections, with Doucouré returning from injury and Danjuma handed a start after recovering from his knee problem.

GK: Jordan Pickford

DEF: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko

MID: Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Abdoulaye Doucouré

ATT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (LW), Beto (CF), Arnaut Danjuma (RW)

Notable absentees: Amadou Onana (gashed leg), Dwight McNeil (ankle), Seamus Coleman & Nathan Patterson (long-term), Ben Godfrey (groin).

First Half: Even Start with a Calvert-Lewin Response ⚖️

Everton controlled possession early on, but Fulham struck first against the run of play through Harry Wilson’s composed finish in the 32nd minute. Just three minutes later, the Toffees responded perfectly—Ashley Young, impressive on the overlap, whipped in a ball for Calvert-Lewin to nod home from close range.

The game then got increasingly physical with three yellow cards shown before half-time, including one for Young just before the whistle.

Second Half: Doucouré Shines in a See-Saw Contest ⚡️

Fulham retook the lead in the 56th minute as Pereira squeezed in a finish after good work from Kenny Tete. But Everton refused to lie down, and in a five-minute flurry turned the game on its head:

70’ | Goal! Calvert-Lewin again, rifling in low after excellent link-up play with Doucouré.

74’ | Goal! Doucouré himself struck from just inside the area after a neat one-two with Calvert-Lewin.

It looked like the Blues would see it through, but Pereira wasn’t finished. His second goal—again assisted by Tete—levelled the game at 3–3 just three minutes later. A frantic finish saw both sides push for a winner, but neither could land the knockout blow.

Manager’s Reaction

“It’s frustrating to drop points when you score three at home,” said manager Gavin Jones. “The attacking play was excellent again—Dom and Doucs were brilliant—but we’ve got to tighten up at the back. Still, we’re unbeaten, and we’ll build from here.”

By the Numbers 📊

Other Standouts 📝

Doucouré (8.1): One goal, one assist, and a tireless midfield display.

Young (8.2): Back in the XI and proved why—6 dribbles, one assist, and constant danger.

Garner (7.6): Controlled play with 91% passing, always positive in possession.

Branthwaite (6.7): Strong aerial presence with 87% aerial duels won.

Pickford (6.9): 6 saves, kept Everton in it late on.

Final Thoughts 🔚

A point that feels like a missed opportunity, but there’s plenty to like about Everton’s attacking setup. Calvert-Lewin’s form is a huge boost, and Doucouré’s return adds bite to midfield. The challenge now is to shore up the defence before tougher tests arrive.

Despite a six-point deduction, Gavin Jones’ side are showing they’re ready to fight—and entertain—every week.