Ronald Koeman went into this game hoping for a better result than last season at Stamford Bridge, where he suffered his worst managerial defeat in the form of a 6-0 score line.
With a summer overhaul of his squad and a promising sign to the season, Everton fans were right to be more confident going into this game. However, despite the result being only a 2-0 loss, Chelsea yet again looked in control of the game from start to finish.
Chelsea kicked off with a more attacking line up than last weekend, starting with their traditional 3-4-3 formation and Fabregas being selected over Bakayoko in the centre. Meanwhile Everton made 5 changes to their team that played in Croatia on Thursday, although the fresh legs were not evident as Everton looked sluggish throughout.
The first good chance of the game fell to Pedro on the 9th minute. Morata was released through on the edge of the box by Willian, but with the angle to tight to shoot he had to pass into the centre for Pedro. With the pass slightly awkward for him, Pedro set the ball up for himself for the elaborate bicycle kick, however it went straight over the goal. Chelsea from there continued to pepper the goal with shots, with Everton struggling to get a look in.
From the off it was clear that Fabregas was going to be the master puppeteer for the afternoon, and he pulled the strings once again on the 27th minute to result in the Blues taking the lead. The Spaniards linked up as Fabregas played a quick one-two with Morata in the Everton penalty box, resulting in Fabregas being left through on goal to finish first time with the outside of his boot.
Everton were not able to get a foothold in the game, and Morata made the task much tougher for them after his smart movement and positioning in the 40th minute – allowing Azpilicueta to aim an effective cross towards him. Morata took the most of the opportunity presented to him, firing a header past the onrushing Pickford to make it 2-0.
Koeman knew he had to get his team fired up in order to turn this around in the second half, and it looked promising with Everton finally getting a touch in the Chelsea penalty area on the 50th minute when Sandro was let through. Unfortunately though Sandro wasted the opportunity to hit the target, with the missed chance being part of an extremely ineffective display from the young forward.
That was as close as Everton came throughout the game, until Courtois was finally tested by Gueye in the 87th minute, striking a 20 yard shot towards the top of the net. However, despite Calwert-Lewin providing more movement for Everton upfront when he replaced Sandro, it was all too little too late for Everton.
This result will help to silence Chelsea’s critics and show that last week’s display against Tottenham was not simply a one-off. Meanwhile, Everton will be hoping for a much improved attacking display against Tottenham in their next Premier League fixture.
Written by Theo Atherton-Green.
