Wagner’s plan thwarts Everton to revive hopes of staying up

fighting near the bottom, he is the one on the rise – the coach surely most in demand the next time positions offering the chance for European qualification or participation become available.

It certainly feels Wagner is fighting his natural instinct playing five defenders and flooding midfield, but it was validated with the point secured by Philip Billing’s header.

“It is one thing to work on it in the classroom, another on the grass,” he said. “With a bit more calmness on the ball we could have created better opportunities. I have every confidence we are competitive and can reach our target that we reach a third Premier League season in a row. We have the desire and attitude you need.”

The game had barely restarted after Billing’s 34th minute strike when Lucas Digne – preferred to Leighton Baines at left back – crossed for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to head beyond Jonas Lossi. Richarlison’s suspension has given Calvert-Lewin an opportunity to show he deserves more than a place on the bench. New manager Marco Silva appears to see the youngster like most neutrals. The potential is there, but it is not yet clear if he is a future senior international or an able squad player. Two goals in midweek against Rotherham helped his cause, and the header to instantly equalise was as important in a mediocre game.

The outbreak of excitement did not last, the only point of interest in the second half coming when Ademola Lookman received enthusiastic applause when replacing injured Theo Walcott.

Everton were missing too many players, injured or suspended. Walcott hurt his rib and Richarlison’s stardust was badly missed. Silva expected more, but there were mitigating circumstances. “I don’t want to find excuses. Losing Theo was not the best for us, too, but we had 11 players,” he said.

Silva’s start at the club now looks steady more than sensational. Huddersfield will take confidence. Their greatest asset continues to be their manager.