David Unsworth paid tribute to the “hunger” of his players after Everton Under-23s drew 1-1 with Chelsea in their first Premier League 2 game of the campaign.
Harry Charsley’s 20-yard drive slipped through Chelsea goalkeeper Marcin Bulka to put the Toffees in front with half-an-hour remaining.
But the hosts hit back 10 minutes later when midfielder Charly Musonda scored from the spot.
Everton finished the game in the ascendancy but couldn’t land a decisive blow and ultimately settled for a very good point in west London.
Unsworth insisted his industrious side could have claimed all three points but was nevertheless delighted with the young Blues' efforts at Stamford Bridge.