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It’s far too early to anoint Simms as Everton’s answer at No 9 but the way in which the 22-year-old announced his arrival onto the scene was a welcome boost for the goal-shy Toffees.
Only Crystal Palace have scored fewer Premier League goals than Everton’s 22 this season and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin apparently unable to stay fit and Neal Maupay out of favour, Dyche has felt the need to start Demarai Gray, a winger, as his striker in recent weeks.
But Simms, recalled from a productive loan spell at Sunderland in January, showed he could play a pivotal role in the closing stages of Everton’s campaign during his cameo against Chelsea.
With 11 minutes to go and his side staring defeat in the face, Simms was thrown on to try to save the game for Everton - and he did just that.
The way in which Simms breezed past Koulibaly - one of Europe’s standout centre-backs before joining Chelsea - was striking and, while Kepa could perhaps have done better in trying keep out his effort, Simms deserves credit for getting his shot on target and ultimately showing his fellow forwards how to find the back of the net.
Dyche hails 'growth in mentality'
Dyche chose to praise his players for avoiding defeat away from Goodison Park for the second match in succession following a run of four defeats in a row away from home.Speaking to Sky Sports, the Everton boss said: "I'm really pleased with the growth in mentality. There's been a lot of questions about Everton's away form and the mentality around that but it's been improving all the time.
“It's still a tough place to come here. I know they've [Chelsea] been up and down but they're a good outfit, coming off of three wins.
"We showed them a little bit too much respect in the first half but after that we got back to grips with the game and reacted well to going behind twice."