Lucas Digne insists he would have traded spectacular first Everton goal for victory against Watford

The former Barcelona man curled a free-kick beyond Ben Foster in the 96th minute at Goodison Park

Carl Markham
Tuesday 11 December 2018 11:24 GMT
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Everton defender Lucas Digne admitted he was delighted to get off the mark for his new club – especially after assuming free-kick duties from top scorer Richarlison – but added that he would have traded a maiden goal for three points.

Digne secured a 2-2 draw at home to Watford with a curling set-piece strike seconds from the end of six minutes of added time.

It was more dropped points at home for Everton after last week's 1-1 draw with Newcastle and they have now taken just two from the last three matches with top-four sides Manchester City and Tottenham up next.

“I feel like I can score and I said to Richi [Richarlison] to leave the free-kick to me," said the former Barcelona defender, who arrived at Goodison Park in the summer for £18 million and subsequently displaced long-time left-back Leighton Baines.

“We saved the defeat and I'm happy with my goal but we would have preferred the win. We need to stay focused and continue the work.

“We are happy to be playing against two of the best teams next and we need to work this week to prepare in the best manner.”

After taking 16 points from seven matches Marco Silva's side have managed two from three, starting from the added-time time defeat in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

However, Silva does not believe that demoralising loss has had an adverse effect on momentum or confidence.

Digne denied Watford victory at Goodison Park with almost the last kick of the match
Digne denied Watford victory at Goodison Park with almost the last kick of the match (Getty)

“After our performance in the derby everyone expected we will win two games at home,” he said. “Different games, games are always tough. When you are winning 1-0 you have to try and score the second.

“We couldn't do that and it is a moment for us to analyse why. But it is clear to me, I saw again [the right] attitude in our players.”

Watford were denied an historic first win Goodison Park in 13 visits and the draw made it just two points from a possible 18 in the Premier League, but boss Javi Gracia believes they will soon end their winless run.

“I am happy with the performances we have had recently,” he said. “We have played against very good teams, like City and Liverpool, and it is not easy to get good results playing against these teams.

“But I think the level of the team always has been high. We lost a very good chance to win in the last minute but I am happy with the performance.

“It was a bit frustrating but if we keep playing this way and I am sure we will get better results.”

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