This game had quite a lot at stake for both sides but especially for the away side. A victory would have taken Frank Lampard‘s side at the top of the table temporarily at least. For Everton, it was about getting back on track after just one win in eight games. With the fans back at Goodison Park, an intense atmosphere was expected. This match is yet another proof how inaccurate are the english football predictions.
How did the game pan out?
First-Half
Everton started the game with more long balls by using Calvert-Lewin as a focal point. Also, significant injuries forced Everton to play more directly. Everton’s back four had center-backs across the backline, with Holgate and Godfrey at full-backs while Keane and Mina partnered in the center. In the absence of James Rodriguez, a lot was on Gylfi Sigurðsson to create for the frontmen.
With Everton being quick to win the second balls, Chelsea were struggling to get into the game. However, with both sides possessing industrial midfielders, the game was in the balance. Chelsea started to dominate the ball but were not opening up Everton, and the home side were happy to surrender the ball and stay in shape.
Everton on breaks were looking dangerous with the aerial ability and pace of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. Alex Iwobi was also causing problems down the right side. In the 22nd minute, Calvert-Lewin flicked a header for himself and won the second ball inside Chelsea’s penalty area, where he was rashly challenged by Eduard Mendy, and Everton were awarded a clear penalty. Stepped up Sigurðsson and won Everton a crucial lead.
Chelsea had a lot of the ball in the first half but didn’t move it quick enough and had a few half chances. Despite having only 27% of the ball, the Toffees had 3 out of 4 shots on target. In contrast, Chelsea had 73% of the ball and had 3 out of 6 shots on target. Everton defensively were solid as they recorded 13 interceptions in the first half as well as 11 clearances.
Second-Half
The second half started with the same theme as Chelsea kept the ball and Everton stayed in shape. Despite all of Chelsea’s possession, there was an evident lack of sharpness in players like Mount and Havertz.
Later on, Everton won another penalty but only to be ruled out due to an offside in the build-up. Lampard introduced Tammy Abraham on the pitch to create aerial dominance in the box alongside Giroud but crosses from wide were not good enough to break Everton’s defense.
Apart from the possession, in terms of offensive numbers, Ancelotti’s side were on top in the second half as well. Despite having just a 28% share of possession, they had 5 shots to Chelsea 4, who had 72% of the ball. Everton had 5 corners, and 4 out of the 5 shots were from inside the box. Chelsea pushed hard and well but had two well-struck strikes hitting the woodwork. Once again, Everton were defensively tremendous in the second half registering 13 interceptions along with 22 clearances.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16924707]
Eye-Catching Performers
Gylfi Sigurðsson (Everton)
Sigurðsson had the responsibility of creating chances for the frontmen in the absence of James Rodriguez. The 31-year-old had a sensational game all around as he scored the winner. Apart from the goal, he completed 6 key passes, 2 crosses, and 1 long ball.
Sigurðsson was deployed in a midfield trio, so he had to be aware of his defensive responsibilities. However, it didn’t seem too big for him as he completed 4 interceptions as well as 2 tackles. He could be a massive player for Everton this season, given his experience and versatility in the midfield.
Alex Iwobi (Everton)
Another player who seems to have found a way back into the side is Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian didn’t look to be a part of Ancelotti’s plans. However, recently he has been deployed in different positions, and despite it, Iwobi has become a significant player. Against Chelsea, he played on the right of a front three and completed 5 dribbles along with 1 cross.
He also had to track the advancing runs of Ben Chilwell, and he was immaculate defensively as well. The 24-year-old completed 1 clearance as well as 2 crucial interceptions.
