Chelsea missed the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in a windy and scrappy affair at Goodison Park. This was the first time in 16 matches that The Blues failed to score in the league. Despite having the best chances in the game, including Nicolas Jackson being denied twice by Jordan Pickford, Chelsea struggled to break the deadlock. Everton, on the other hand, failed to create many opportunities in the first half but came close in the second half with Robert Sanchez making a key save and Tosin Adarabioyo blocking a shot from close range. The result sees Chelsea remain behind Liverpool in the table, while Everton move up to 15th place.
Everton’s positive result against Chelsea comes after a goalless draw against Arsenal last week and the completion of the Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club. They are now looking to continue their impressive run as they face Manchester City on Boxing Day. Chelsea, who missed the chance to extend their winning run in the league to six matches, will now focus on hosting Fulham at Stamford Bridge. Despite their attacking prowess, Chelsea struggled to break down Everton’s defense, highlighting a recurring issue of dealing with low blocks that has persisted since last season under Mauricio Pochettino. On the other hand, Everton has improved defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last three league matches.
Player of the match, Iliman Ndiaye, stood out in a match that lacked quality, showcasing composure and cutting edge in the final third. Everton’s strong defensive performance was reflected in their player ratings, with Ndiaye receiving the highest score of 8. The key moments of the match included Jackson being denied by Pickford at close range and hitting the upright with a header, as well as crucial saves and blocks from Sanchez and Tosin to keep Everton at bay. Despite Everton’s recent struggles in scoring goals, their defensive solidity under Sean Dyche has made them a tough side to face.
Looking ahead, TNT Sports will broadcast over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League in the 2024/25 season. Fans in the UK can enjoy these matches on discovery+, which also includes Eurosport and entertainment in one subscription. The draw against Everton may not be a major concern for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, but it highlights areas for improvement, especially when facing teams that defend deep. Everton’s resilience under Dyche and their defensive record suggest that they are well-prepared to avoid relegation this season. Overall, the match was characterized by missed chances and strong defensive displays, with Everton holding Chelsea to a goalless draw at Goodison Park.
