Everton manager Ronald Koeman has praised his team's character following their 2-2 draw with Hull City on Friday evening, although the Dutchman did concede that on balance, both side's were worthy of a point.
The Toffees had to twice come from behind at the KCOMand though they were fortunate with their first equaliser, which came via David Marshall's own goal, they showed great spirit to level the scores once again in the 84th minute, thanks to Ross Barkley's header.
GOAL Hull 2-2 Everton (84 mins). Ross Barkley heads Everton level after a fine deep cross from Baines #HULEVE
Speaking after the match, Koeman admitted that whilst he was frustrated with his side's slow start, he was pleased to see his players dig deep and find a way back into the game.
The Dutchman said (as quoted by theLiverpool Echo):It was frustrating. We did not start the game well and they scored out of their first corner kick.
We knew the productivity of Hull from set pieces “ eight of their 14 goals have come this way this season.
I think we showed great character to come back into the game. We were lucky how we scored to make it 1-1 but I think we had good chances before that."
Although Koeman went on to confess that hewas disappointed with some of his team's mistakes throughout the match, he was quick to point out that his players created plenty of chances and that Evertonwere worthy of a point.
Koeman praises Everton character: Ronald Koeman has praised the "great character and reaction" of his Everton side¦ https://t.co/6XldEGvfVd
He added:The second half was better and I thought we dominated the game but sometimes you can't stop a player like Robert Snodgrass with free-kicks and he was unlucky with the first one.
We made a mistake in our ball position, it was sloppy defending and then finally we made a fault and it was 2-1.
Once again we came back and played well. Football-wise it was one of our best games today in creating chances and we were unlucky in not scoring more than the two goals.
There was a chance for Romelu (Lukaku), Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) and (Seamus) Coleman on the post.I think we created a lot and had to score more than two goals tonight but okay it was a fair result finally.�