Friday 30 December 2016 23:38, UK
Ronald Koeman has praised the "great character and reaction" of his Everton side after their 2-2 draw with Hull on Friday.
The Toffees twice came from behind to take a point from the KCOM Stadium live on Sky Sports, with a bizarre own goal from Tigers goalkeeper David Marshall cancelling out an early opener from Michael Dawson.
Robert Snodgrass put Hull back ahead in the 65th minute with a sublime free kick, but a header from Ross Barkley with six minutes of normal time to play saw the two sides share the points.
Koeman was ultimately pleased with the result and believes Barkley also had a good game after a testing few weeks for the 23-year-old.
"I think the crowd loved this game because it was really a really open game with lots of chances and I think the better chances were for us," he told Sky Sports.
"It was a difficult start in the game but twice we showed great character in the team with a great reaction and in my opinion, maybe football wise, it was one of our better games.
"Of course, you can't stop crosses or set plays sometimes and you cannot stop a free kick specialist like Snodgrass. He was unlucky with one but scored the second.
"Well done to him, but we showed good reaction in the team, we fought for everything, we had the better chances and it is one point.
"We lost the first two or three tackles in midfield and out of that came the first corner. Again, the start was not good and they were more aggressive and that is always difficult but you need to fight back in the game which we did. That's positive but OK, it was not a good start.
"I was really pleased with the important goal Ross scored. He was dangerous, he had some good shots and that's the player we want and need up front."
With the transfer window opening in two days time, Koeman was coy on his plans but did say he had areas he wished to strengthen.
"We know what we want. We know where we need to improve but I think I'm really happy with the mentality of the team and how we played against Arsenal after disappointment against Watford away," he added.
"With Liverpool, Leicester and today, we are seeing a different team who are difficult to beat and we also created a lot of chances.
"Every team likes to improve and we lost Yannick Bolasie to a long-term injury and then of course, you need a new player in this position."
