Everton player who lost 80% of his duels vs Chelsea is miles off being the next Elliot Anderson

Nottingham Forest hoped to have had their eyes on the second coming of Elliot Anderson when they bid £40million for Everton star Harrison Armstrong in the summer.

The move for the 19-year-old was close to completion but ultimately fell apart when fans of the Toffees protested in the away end.

The England youth international has since become a key man for David Moyes, starting every single one of their seven Premier League games this season.

But Armstrong struggled massively on Saturday as Everton lost 2-0 to Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and did not last the full 90 minutes.

Pedro Neto's brace was enough to see the visitors leave with three points, handing Moyes' side their first defeat of the season so far.

Nottingham Forest sold Anderson to Manchester City in the summer for £116m, after they had bought him for just £35m from Newcastle United in 2024.

Harrison Armstrong flops vs Chelsea

Nottingham Forest clearly had huge belief in Armstrong, who spent much of last season on loan at Preston North End.

The midfielder was seen as a potential future star, and potentially someone who could step into the huge boots left by Anderson at the City Ground.

There have been flashes of that at Everton this season, but Saturday was a day that may have left Nottingham Forest grateful to not have committed such money.

Armstrong made a clearance off the line in the first half, but the positives very much end there for his performance.

The England youth international was booked early on for a strong challenge, and looked to be limited throughout the rest of his time on the pitch.

Armstrong misplaced three of his 17 passes, failed to take a shot, completed neither of the long balls he attempted and was dispossessed twice.

Arguably Anderson's biggest tool was his ability to win duels, but the Everton midfielder won just two of 10 on the day and none of those that came in the air.

Everton will stick by Armstrong decision

Despite his struggles on Saturday, Everton remain confident that Armstrong will continue to develop.

The 19-year-old still has plenty of growing to do and could well grow to the levels of Anderson, given enough faith.

Yet Nottingham Forest needed a player ready to step in right now, and may well be thankful that their funds were saved.

They will now return to the drawing board, as they search for their next future money-maker.