Everton extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games with a 1-1 draw against Stoke City.

Ronald Koeman saw his side fall behind inside ten minutes when Marko Arnautovic set up Peter Crouch to fire home his 100th Premier League goal.

However just before half time, the Blues were pulled level as Potters captain Ryan Shawcross turned a Seamus Coleman cross into his own net.

Neither side was able to find a winner in the scrappy second half which ensued as both sides were forced to share the spoils at the Bet365 Stadium.

Here were the key talking points from the Potteries:

Blues’ kids still need time

 

The emergence of youngsters Tom Davies and Mason Holgate over the last month has been something that all Evertonians have revelled in.

They have been impressive, to say the least, but this is one game that neither player will not look back on fondly.

Davies initially struggled up against the experienced pairing of Charlie Adam and Joe Allen in central midfield but showed signs of improvement after the break.

Holgate had an even tougher time up against Arnautovic before he was taken off by Koeman at the interval.

Given how good they have been previously, it is easy to forget that both are still at young ages and currently lacking regular experience at this level.

This game showed they need time and patience to develop into the stars many hope they will become.

Robles is Everton’s undisputed No.1

 

If Koeman was looking for vindication of his declaration of the goalkeeping situation at Goodison Park, he was afforded it by Joel Robles.

Transfer deadline day brought no new signs but a revelation that Everton had scrapped a move for West Ham stopper Adrian due to the Spainard’s form.

His performance in this game went a long way to proving that decision was a wise one. Robles was superb, notably with two impressive saves to deny Arnautovic from close-range.

If he continues in this vein of form, Everton may not need to chase a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window after all.

Solid start from Schneiderlin

 

After a more than impressive January, it was something of a surprise to see Koeman change his side and hand Morgan Schneiderlin his full debut.

The Everton manager was determined to get the Frenchman from Manchester United and this display went some way to proving why he was so keen.

Schneiderlin was composed on the ball, showed a strong passing range and was generally excellent alongside Davies, and later James McCarthy, in midfield.

After barely featuring for United over the past 18 months, it will take some time before Everton’s big money recruit is at his best.

But there was enough evidence to show that he may prove to be a very astute addition.

Lukaku debate rumbles on

 

Ross Barkley aside, there is no player in the current Everton squad who divides the fan base quite like Romelu Lukaku.

For many, he is the best striker the club have had for a number of years, for others he is lazy and doesn’t run enough.

The latter version was the one who ran out at the Bet365 Stadium, with the Belgian having little to no effect on proceedings.

Exceptions were limited to being nearby when Shawcross’s own goal evened up the game in Everton’s favour.

That absenteeism affected his side’s performance as they lacked the focal point required to break through the Potters’ notoriously stubborn back line.

Lukaku is enjoying another good campaign but he must start to find consistency and turn on the style at places like Stoke if he is to become the world-class forward that his ability hints.