Chelsea failed to break down a resolute Everton defence as the two sides shared the points at the Stamford Bridge.
After a frantic first half display, it was Chelsea that took control of the second half and were unlucky not to snatch the win. Marcos Alonso hit the post as well as forcing a good save from Jordan Pickford, whilst Eden Hazard and Willian both spurned chances.
Gylfi Sigurdsson had Everton’s best chance but Everton struggled to amount any real offensive opportunities. However, the draw sees Chelsea stuck behind Manchester City and Liverpool going into the international break.
A big opportunity wasted for Chelsea
Chelsea had been in fine form going into this weekend’s clash and Maurizio Sarri’s side will have been looking to stay level with Liverpool on points. However, the London side will have left Stamford Bridge frustrated at the 0-0 scoreline.
Chelsea recorded 15 shots in total, four of which were on target which simply is not clinical enough. Jordan Pickford made some acrobatic saves and the defense was strong, but Chelsea did look to run out of ideas. Sarri introduced Ross Barkley to find a much-needed goal but the former Everton man’s cameo was to little effect.
A draw against a side such as Everton is probably a result that most managers would settle for. However, despite a 12-game undefeated start to the season, they need to win games at home to keep chase with Liverpool and Manchester City. Especially when they had most of the possession and created more chances out of the two teams.
Lucas Digne – Everton’s new man at left-back
The Frenchman did not feature in Marco Silva’s side for the first few fixtures of the new season, but since he was picked to play ahead of club veteran Leighton Baines, his position in the squad has been cemented. Today he played against the always threatening Willian who for most of the match did little to trouble Lucas Digne. He has looked comfortable in the attacking full-back role and has a similar playing style to Baines.
The change in guard has been welcomed by Everton fans as Digne is rarely caught out of position as is a constantly solid part of Everton’s defence. He has also developed a strong wide partnership with Bernard who had bright moments in the game. The full-back has an accurate pass, a wicked cross and is comfortable in dead ball situations. Today’s performance showed that he is capable of shutting out some of the league’s best wingers from games and is a vital player for Everton’s season.
Silva’s tactics worked a charm
When Everton visited Chelsea last season, they were brushed aside comfortably by Antonio Conte’s side who won the game 2-0. They were poor defensively and it was during a tough season for the Toffees last year. However, the Portuguese manager’s tactics appeared to be spot on today.
Although he would have liked his side to snatch a goal that they could defend, Everton still kept an in-form Chelsea from scoring. They compact the middle of the park congested with Idrissa Gueye, Andre Gomes and even Sigurdsson sitting in to help defend. This compact shape made it difficult for Chelsea’s key player, Eden Hazard, to create anything in the midfield pockets. This coinciding with Seamus Coleman’s and Digne’s displays out-wide meant that Sarri’s side were limited in their attacking options.
Silva would have loved an away win, but his side showed the fans a masterful performance away from Goodison Park against one of the best sides in the league. They will not have been expected by most to come away with anything today, but a dogged performance earnt them a point.
Maurizio Sarri’s exceptional start
The Italian coach set some personal records in today’s draw. He became the first manager in the Premier League’s history to remain unbeaten in their first 12 fixtures. He has won eight and drawn four and has his players invested in his philosophy. They have played attractive football all season and are probably doing better than most football fans would have expected.
Last season Conte had lost the backing of his players and the fans. There was a lack of belief that ultimately led to Chelsea slipping to a Europa League finish behind their rivals. However, Sarri has rejuvenated his squad and added extra interest in the title race.
What would have been a two-horse race at the start of the campaign can no longer be seen as such. Sarri’s side are well in contention approaching Christmas and if he can add to his squad depth in the transfer window and tweak a few more aspects of his sides playing style, then there is no reason Chelsea cannot be title contenders.
Man of the Match – Jordan Pickford
The game was not one of the best matches we will see this season and had very few stand-out players. Alvaro Morata looked lively and had a goal disallowed whilst Alonso had the best chances of the game. However, it was the man that denied these chances that deserves to be credited. He saved his side the few times that they needed saving. This is not the first time Pickford has been Everton’s best player and shows how valuable he is to the Toffees.
