Antonio's verdict on Everton

Antonio Conte left Goodison Park with plenty of positives after picking up a point as his first Premier League match as our Head Coach ended goalless against Everton on Sunday.

As always, it was a battle on the blue half of Merseyside, and clear-cut chances were at a premium. You could argue we had the best when Sergio Reguilon fired over from Harry Kane’s cross at the end of the first half. We also came closest to breaking the deadlock when Giovani Lo Celso’s curler from 25 yards came back off the post three minutes from time.

Hearts were in mouths at the other end on 64 minutes when referee Chris Kavanagh initially awarded a penalty after Hugo Lloris slid in to meet Richarlison. Thankfully, he overturned the decision after a VAR review of the incident. Overall though, a draw felt about right.

Speaking to us pitchside, Antonio reflected: “Goodison Park is always a dangerous place for the team that comes here to play against Everton and today, I must be happy. I have seen the right will to play a game and where the spirit on the pitch was very high, and the atmosphere was very high.

“I have seen many, many tactical situations that we tried in only three days (preparation). For sure, we have a great space for improvement, but you have the heart, or not. You have the passion, or not. Today, I understood that these players, when there is a situation where you have to fight, they are ready to fight, and this is very good.”

It’s been quite a few days for Antonio and his coaching team. Appointed on Tuesday, straight into it with a game - and win - against Vitesse in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night and limited time to prepare for what is always one of the toughest away days in the Premier League at Goodison.

“Honestly, usually, I’m not happy with a draw but I know this is a big challenge for me and for us to try together to build something important,” added Antonio.

“We needed to have a start, and this is a good start - a win against Vitesse, we are in the competition with the possibility go through, and to be an important team in this competition - and after this draw, we must be closer to fourth. We know we have to close the gap to at least the fourth team, at least, but at the same time, in time, we can improve, I’m sure of that.”