With sixth-placed Arsenal on FA Cup duty and Manchester United, who lie fifth, not due to face Burnley until 24 hours after Everton’s visit to the London Stadium, Koeman’s side had the opportunity to maintain the progress they have shown this season.

But a drab scoreless draw meant they were able to only move above Arsenal, who have played three games fewer than the Goodison Park club.

Koeman had attempted to inject life into his side’s display by introducing Gareth Barry and Ademola Lookman for Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies at half-time and the manager admitted he would have preferred to make a complete overhaul.

“The half-time substitutions were tactical, I made a signal to the team to change,» said Koeman

“I feel sorry for Tom, I feel sorry for Gana, because if it was allowed to change 10 I’d have changed 10 players after the first half.

“I’m disappointed about the performance, we were not the team that we can be, far away from the level in every aspect of football. One positive thing: a clean sheet. And we go home.

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