By John P
October 24 2005

Everton played to their ability last night and got a vital point against run-away leaders and defending champions, Chelsea. James Beattie scored from the spot to give the home team the lead with Lampard finding the net for Londonders.

The penalty came about from Shaun-Wright Phillips losing possession of the ball to Cahill who was then brought down in the area from a mis-timed tackle from Phillips.

Huth denied an Arteta through ball to Cahill and Davies tested Cech along with crosses from Kilbane kept Chelsea's back four, and the goalkeeper, on their toes.

Martyn showed composure and great vision, and proved himself still to be one of the best keepers in the league, denying Lampard and Huth.

Drogba scored but was ruled offside, although on video evidence it seemed like a wrong decision. This was cancelled out by a penalty turned down after Terry blocked a Bent shot on goal with his arm in the last few minutes of the 2nd half.

Robben's shot at the goal ended up just wide, but only just....

It could have easily have ended in another defeat for Everton though, within a minute Essien fired above the crossbar

Moyes pointed out that one of the major factors, of the game, was the support from the crowd. After the game the Toffee's got a long awaited point and a standing ovation from the home and away crowd.

David Moyes stated, “We wanted to try and cause them as many problems as we can. We knew we were going to find it hard to have an awful lot of ball possession, because of the players they have got.

“We tried to play two up front but then you are also worried can Makelele get on the ball too much, can Frank Lampard get on the ball too much, and unfortunately for us Frank Lampard did get on too much.

“He scored a fantastic goal and he was a massive problem all day to us. But credit to the Everton players today I thought they went about their job brilliantly.”

James Beattie stated after the match, "It’s a great start for us I think we can build on this performance it was a great performance from the lads and hopefully we can get some more points and climb the table and there’s no doubt with the talent in the dressing room we will do."