Everton dropped into the Premier League relegation zone despite clinging on for a hard-fought goalless draw at Fulham.
The Toffees, whose appeal hearing over their 10-point deduction for breaching financial rules begins on Wednesday, slip to 18th, a point behind Luton following the Hatters’ win over Brighton.
Despite the scoreline there was no shortage of goalmouth action at Craven Cottage with both sides hitting the woodwork and having efforts cleared off the line.
Everton endured both in a matter of seconds as James Tarkowski’s scuffed shot flicked the head of Issa Diop and looped up to hit the crossbar. The ball then brushed Antonee Robinson and rolled back towards the goal, only for Timothy Castagne to poke it away in the nick of time.
Castagne was on the receiving end of a goalline clearance later in the first half when his fierce shot was deflected past Jordan Pickford and Tarkowski was on hand to block.
After a fairly even first half, Fulham dominated the second with Castagne’s flicked header coming back off the bar and Pickford making a stunning save to keep out a Tosin Adarabioyo header that looked destined to find the net.
Marco Silva’s side kept their visitors penned inside their own half for much the second period but failed to make the most of numerous promising situations and were nearly punished.
Everton substitute Beto headed over from point-bank range in injury time and the Toffees were unable to force the ball home during a scramble on the edge of the Fulham six-yard box a minute later.
To add to Fulham’s frustrations, Raul Jimenez went off holding his hamstring at the end of the first 45 minutes and had to be replaced at half-time, with Diop also grabbing the back of his thigh after being substituted in the second half.
