Everton took another small step towards Premier League survival with a 0-0 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road.
However, the Toffees will rue that they never picked up three points against a depleted Hornets outfit.
Frank Lampard’s side are two points ahead of the drop zone - but it could have been four after Leeds United were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea.
The first half proved an insipid affair, with neither side able to create a clear-cut chance.
The game finally saw a decent chance when Richarlison worked himself space inside the Watford box on 53 minutes but his deflected effort was well saved by Ben Foster.
Then Demarai Gray slid an effort just wide when slotted in by Alex Iwobi.
That was about as good as it got for Everton as they struggled to put real pressure on a Watford side that have already been relegated to the Championship.
Here’s how we rated the Everton players.
5. Vitalii Mykolenko - 5
Had a couple of speculative efforts blocked comfortably in the first half. Strong defending in the second period curtailed a Watford break. But had a meek effort on goal late on when he could have become the match-winner. | Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
6. Fabian Delph - 7
Was highly efficient and tidy in the first half. Made a fine tackle after the break to launch an attack but Gray blazed over. One of the better performers before being subbed in the 81st minute. | Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
7. Abdoulaye Doucoure - 5
Few chances to really penetrate Watford in the first half, while he had a looping header easily saved. Similar in the second half and could conjure only a tame shot when he managed to roam into the opposition’s box. | Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
8. Alex Iwobi - 7.5
Everton’s best performer in the first half, showing energy in abundance. However, failed to make his mind up when slotted in by Richarlison. Continued to be a threat in the second period and should have had an assist when he slipped in Gray. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images