As the busy Christmas schedule continues to roll, teams are showing increasing signs of fatigue. Chelsea played Everton at the Goodison Park and the Blues endured a frustrating evening as they failed to break down the Toffees’ goal despite having close to 25 attempts on goal.
The Everton side looked tired and jaded but with the help of some luck and good defensive organization managed to hold on to the 0-0 scoreline. The Merseyside club looks a whole different team under their new manager and remain undefeated since the appointment of Big Sam.
Chelsea have now fallen further behind and the Blues are effectively out of a title chase meaning that the defending champions have to now focus on a top-four finish which will ensure Champions League football next season. Chelsea were clearly missing a hitman in Alvaro Morata who was suspended for the match and Antonio Conte will definitely be looking for a new striker in the January transfer window.
The Italian gaffer will feel hard done by after his side dominated the entire match but failed to convert their chances into goals. They will have no time to reflect on their result as the next fixture is just around the corner.
A tiring match for the Blues; it will have an even worse mental effect on them as they return from the Goodison after having dropped two points. Here is how the players performed on the night.
Thibaut Courtois: 5
Courtois was smart not to have his cap on when facing the sun as he was never called into action. Could have pulled out his armchair and read a book with the Toffees failing to register an effort on target.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
A smart display yet again from the Spaniard. He was on board the one time his team needed him.
Andreas Christensen: 5.5
Nothing much to do for him either as he displayed good composure apart from one moment of average football.
Antonio Rudiger: 6.5
The most eager of the defensive lot, he kept charging forward and tried different ranges of passes to help his team in attack.
Victor Moses: 6
One of those matches where he had enough time on the ball to let someone paint him. Used his possession well in the first half to deliver some interesting crosses.
Marcos Alonso: 6.5
Another player who had plenty of the ball and linked well with the attack throughout the match.
N’Golo Kante: 7
Another busy day for him in the office, he was essentially there for every interception in the middle of the park.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 6
An improved display from the Frenchman after a few horror months initially. Still a long way away from justifying his price tag.
Pedro: 6.5
A good day could have become perfect for him had Pickford not decided to keep everything out of his goal.
Willian: 6.5
Another Chelsea player who will find himself unlucky to have not found the back of the net.
Eden Hazard: 8
The chief troublemaker for Chelsea, he will surely give Keane some nightmares if the English player makes the World Cup squad.
Substitutes
Cesc Fabregas: 5
Added some sharpness but not enough to warrant a winner.
Michy Batshuayi: 4.5
Still showing exactly why Conte is uneasy to have him as a backup striker. Has the physicality but not the mental maturity to make things happen.
