Graham Potter insists Chelsea have taken a ‘step forward’ despite their frustrating draw with Everton

After a scoreless first half, the game exploded in the second half as Joao Felix confidently found the corner over the post.

Abdoulaye Doucoure equalized late but Kai Havertz scored from the penalty spot and looked like he would win. Everton had the last laugh, however, as substitute Ellis Simms gave the Toffees a draw and ended Chelsea’s three-game winning streak by scoring an 89th-minute goal.

“It’s frustrating to deal cheaply with the goals we’ve conceded,” Potter admitted afterwards. “The boys are disappointed [and] frustrated because they think they put a lot into the game.

“Ultimately we’re really, really frustrated because we can’t concede the goals we’ve scored and expect to win the game.”

The Chelsea manager added: “Ultimately we didn’t defend well enough. I think it was a step backwards in terms of the result because we wanted to win. But in terms of performance it was a step forward because we attacked well. The feeling is frustrated because we lost points.”

In recent weeks Chelsea had turned the tide after their dismal form under Potter, with three straight wins this month against Leeds, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester easing the pressure on their manager. But Everton’s last-minute draw means Chelsea now head into the international break with some stalled momentum.

Impressed by Sean Dyche’s side, Potter said: “You have to give credit to Everton. They do what they do well. They ask you questions, but I think we controlled most of the game well – as much as possible.”

The Blues won’t play again until Saturday April 1 when they host Aston Villa, who are level on points with Potter’s side.