Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hailed striker Romelu Lukaku for his "incredible gesture" to play through the pain barrier against Arsenal.
The Belgium international injured his toe last week and seemed unlikely to feature in today's 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Lukaku battled through, however, and set up Steven Naismith for the Toffees' second goal of the evening before limping off on 76 minutes.
"Romelu has been struggling with a knock on his toe and he did incredibly well to be available today," Martinez told the club's official website. "The fans need to know and it is an example of our football Club that he did everything to be available for the game to help the players.
"To last over 70 minutes was an incredible gesture and he was terrific for Naismith's goal – I couldn't be prouder of his attitude and the way he represented our Club today.
"I don't think he deserves to end today's game with only one point rather than three, but that approach will give us a lot over the course of the season."
Lukaku joined Everton on a permanent deal this summer following a successful loan spell on Merseyside last season.
Daniel Lewis
