Roberto Martinez labelled John Stones a future England captain after watching him help Everton secure a point in a goalless draw at Tottenham.
Chelsea target Stones, under extreme pressure following an unsuccessful transfer request, and outstanding goalkeeper Tim Howard were central in a rousing defensive display.
“John was always in control. He’s an incredible defender. His performance was that of someone who has the potential to become an England captain,” said Martinez.
American stopper Howard, meanwhile, made a string of superb saves to deny Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Toby Alderweireld.
The game was marred by injuries to Tom Cleverley and Moussa Dembele, both players carried from the pitch on a stretcher.
Mauricio Pochettino sang the praises of Howard, saying: “He was the clear man of the match. We created a lot of good chances and as a team we were better, but we needed to score.”
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood felt his side were “robbed” after Yann M’Vila and Jeremain Lens cancelled out Scott Sinclair’s double to secure a 2-2 draw for Sunderland at Villa Park.
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Sherwood thought the hosts should have had a penalty when Spanish substitute Carles Gil – booked for diving – tumbled under Younes Kaboul’s challenge.
“Anyone who watched that game knows we should have won. We had 22 shots, the keeper pulled off a ‘worldy’ save and we should have had a penalty. We have been robbed,” he said.
Callum Wilson was again on target for Bournemouth but Jamie Vardy’s late penalty rescued a point in a 1-1 draw, maintaining Leicester’s unbeaten start to the season.
Wilson’s overhead kick put the hosts ahead but Vardy’s late penalty made it eight points for the third-placed Foxes.
Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe was left looking at the injury list though as Charlie Daniels, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel hobbled off. Howe said: “The injuries were key in the game. It’s not nice when you see your team-mates going off injured.”
