Despite a dominant display, Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Everton at Goodison Park yesterday. The Blues had 25 shots, but were unable to find a way past a resolute Everton defence. Antonio Conte’s side were without striker Alvaro Morata, and started Eden Hazard as a false nine. Jordan Pickford was in inspired form in the Everton goal, and deserved to keep his clean sheet. Here’s how the Blues rated:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Literally had nothing to do all game. The home side failed to register a shot on target, and only had five in total. The Belgian has had more difficult games.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
The Everton attack didn’t cause him many problems, and he got forward well. Delivered a number of crosses into the box, but they were too high for Chelsea’s small attack.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Kept Dominic Calvert-Lewin quiet for the majority of the game, and was only beaten by him once. As usual, his passing was great.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Another easy day at the office for Azpilicueta. Blocked a few Everton efforts, and got forward well. Missed Morata in the box to cross to.
Victor Moses – 7
Got forward very well, and almost created a goal from a cross. Ashley Williams diverted his ball in onto the crossbar, much to the Welshman’s relief.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7
Coped well in midfield and was powerful when going forward. The only problem for the Frenchman was the final ball, which let him down.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Another great performance from Kante, doing his usual thing. Got forward well at times, and possibly could have pulled the trigger on a number of opportunities.
Marcos Alonso – 7
Had a shot cleared off the line in the first half, and had a lot of space on the left. Caused a lot of problems for Everton as the game went on.
Willian – 6
Not the greatest of afternoons from Willian. Failed to beat his man on a number of occasions, and his chances often failed to hit the target.
Eden Hazard – 7
Chelsea’s main attacking threat, and forced a few good saves from Pickford. The target of a number of tackles from the Everton players, which he is probably used to by now.
Pedro – 6
Like Willian, Pedro didn’t really attack the Everton defence in the way he would have liked. Had a few half chances, but scuffed any real ones.
Substitutes
Michy Batshuayi – 5
Usually effective from the bench, Batshuayi was a far cry from the super sub he can be. Failed to register a shot on goal.
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Didn’t really make the desired impact when coming on. Made a few good passes, but couldn’t unlock the Everton defence.
Davide Zappacosta – 5
His crossing was awful, and his introduction was surprising after Moses was doing well on the right. Perhaps Callum Hudson-Odoi would’ve been a better option from the bench.