Chelsea were held by a determined Everton side in a game that produced no goals. Everton, officially the league’s oldest side this season, welcomed Chelsea, the youngest side this season on a rainy day. The hosts frustrated Chelsea as they held the fort successfully in the first half. A combination of poor finishing and some desperate defending made sure that the game ended goalless. It was a point well earned for the hosts whereas the visitors would look at it as two dropped.
In a rain-battered game, both sets of players took some time to acclimatise leading to a scrappy opening minutes. Chelsea then started asking questions and Everton repelled them with ease. Dyche’s side were showcasing their newfound high-pressing bursts as they hassled Chelsea players at times. The first real chance of the game fell to Jackson after Palmer found him with a clever lowball. The striker somehow shot straight at Pickford and was inches away from opening the scoring.
Jackson was the culprit again as he hit the post from two yards out. Gusto was on hand from both the Jackson misses but he wasn’t able to turn the rebounds in. Everton on the other hand found their joy on the breaks and nearly took the lead when Mangala had a fine shot turned away by Sanchez.
Jack Harrison had the biggest chance of the second half early on as Ndiaye found him. It took a great save from Sanchez to deny him. Chelsea kept looking for the opener but they couldn’t unlock the hosts’ defence. Beto and Lindstrom combined to create a great chance for Everton as soon as they came on for Everton. Chelsea were looking toothless in front of goal as they chased a late winner.
Chelsea missed a chance to win six on the trot and go to the top of the table. The Blues now have risen from top 4 contenders to unlikely title challengers and a draw would feel like a loss for them. It gives Liverpool a further chance to increase their lead at the top. Everton, meanwhile, sit four points clear of the relegation zone. Dyche’s side visits free-falling Manchester City on Boxing Day next in another uphill battle. Chelsea entertain London rivals Fulham next.
Everton Player Ratings vs Chelsea
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford: 7/10- Pickford was in the way of Jackson’s shot to prevent him from scoring. He was lucky not to concede a penalty as he went sliding into Gusto to deny him a rebound.
Defenders
Ashley Young: 7/10- The veteran full-back had an exciting battle going on with Sancho. It yielded mixed results though. Was replaced as he was tiring against Enzo and Sancho.
James Tarkowski: 6.5/10- Was leading the Evertonian defence expertly in the first half. He was in the right place at the right time to cut many passes into the box.
Jarrad Branthwaite: 7/10- Had the freedom to step up with the ball into Chelsea’s half to create some openings. Did just fine defensively.
Vitalii Mykolenko: 7/10- Had his hands tied with Pedro Neto as the Portuguese winger and even Cole Palmer doubled up on him. Rarely had the luxury of going forward.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6/10- Sat the deepest to protect the defence and was tasked with marking Palmer.
Orel Mangala: 6.5/10- Mangala had a delightful connection with Doucoure as he played the box-to-box role to great effect and almost got a goal for himself.
Jack Harrison: 6/10- The winger was not as effective as he’d have liked as he couldn’t take advantage of the breaks. Had an excellent chance to give Everton the lead but failed to take it.
Iliman Ndiaye: 7/10- Ndiaye had a free role on the day and tried finding clever pockets to open up the stern Chelsea defence. He did everything well bar the final ball.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: 6.5/10- It was a role that suited him extremely well. With his legs and ball-carrying, he was a great threat to Chelsea on the breaks.
Attacker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 5/10- The striker was ineffective in the first half often pressing the defence alone in vain. He started winning more duels in the second half to bring his side into play.
Substitutes
Jesper Lindstrom: 7/10
Seamus Coleman: 6.5/10
Beto: 6/10
Manager
Sean Dyche: 7/10- In another vintage performance, Dyche gets another point for Everton. They have almost navigated the tough fixture run now. He can take spirit from the youngsters taking well to his approach too. However, he would be expecting a little more from his attackers.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs Everton
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez: 7/10- The Spaniard was in scintillating form to deny Mangala first and Harrison next. The second save was excellent in particular as he had an outstretched leg to beat the shot away.
Defenders
Malo Gusto: 6/10- He was guilty of missing two huge chances in the first half. Both were rebounds from Jackson’s shots and just needed recent connections to end up in the net.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 7/10- The Englishman is looking to nail down the starting spot alongside Colwill. He is quite athletic and is winning the aerial duels as well. Made a great block to deny a certain Everton goal.
Levi Colwill: 6.5/10- Another game that further raises his stock as he is always calm on the ball and is dealing with attackers well.
Axel Disasi: 6.5/10- Started the game in the heart of the defence but was moved to right-back to deal with Doucoure’s physicality on the wing.
Midfielders
Moises Caicedo: 8/10- The Ecuadorian midfielder had another exciting outing as he kept winning the ball multiple times. He is adding forward passing as another weapon in his armoury.
Enzo Fernandez: 7.5/10- Fernandez is playing with attacking freedom and it suits him well. He was potent with set pieces and in open play too.
Pedro Neto: 6.5/10- He was getting constantly fouled as Everton’s defence couldn’t defend him cleanly. Nonetheless missed the final ball.
Cole Palmer: 7/10- Had a hit-and-miss first half as he created few chances but was unusually sloppy with his touches.
Jadon Sancho: 7.5/10- Sancho’s confidence is growing with the extended run he’s getting in the team. Looked like Chelsea’s most purposeful attacker in the game.
Attacker
Nicolas Jackson: 6/10- The typical Jackson we know. Had two great chances to give Chelsea the lead. He hit Pickford once and the post next. Was replaced by Nkunku late on.
Substitutes
Christopher Nkunku: 6/10
Noni Madueke: 5.5/10
Manager
Enzo Maresca: 7/10- Facing a really low block, Chelsea struggled to create meaningful opportunities. The two that came their way were spurned by Jackson highlighting the need for a lethal number 9 for Maresca. He would be impressed by another great defensive performance from his side.
How much did Cole Palmer cost?
Palmer was signed for just £42.5 million by Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal that looks like a bargain now.
Where did Enzo Maresca manage previously?
Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship title in the previous season and has made Chelsea title contenders in his first season itself.
Who was the best player in Everton vs Chelsea?
Moises Caicedo was the best player in Everton vs Chelsea.
Who was the worst player in Everton vs Chelsea?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the worst player in Everton vs Chelsea.