Everton struggled against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough as they stood firm at the Riverside.
The Toffees needed a win to keep pace with Manchester United following their win over Watford at Old Trafford.
Romelu Lukaku had Everton’s best chance in the first half when he was one-on-one with Victor Valdes but the Belgian couldn’t put it past him.
Ademola Lookman nearly put the Blues ahead in the second half but it was not to be as Valdes saved yet again.
Boro then looked like scoring for the last 20 minutes, with Everton nearly going behind from a Gestede header but Joel pulled off an unbelievable save.
The Toffees will now remain in 7th place on 41 points as West Brom and West Ham look to close the gap behind them.
Liverpool are on 46 points in 6th before their game against Spurs but Everton’s hope of a top six finish has certainly took a knock following today’s result.
