Lethargic Chelsea Held By Everton

Nov 11, 2018 1341

By Max Wise

Chelsea produced a lethargic display as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Everton on Sunday.

The result means the Blues remain unbeaten in Maurizio Sarri’s first twelve league games in charge, but slip to third on the table with 28 points.

It was a tame start from both sides with Chelsea playing like they had a couple of Belarusian cobwebs needed to be blown away, following their Europa League exploits against Bate Borisov on Thursday.

Everton fans will be forgiven for celebrating what they thought was the opener in the 12th minute as a corner kick headed out by Jorginho fell straight to Bernard on the edge of the box. The Everton winger caught it sweetly but his effort flew just wide of Kepa Arizabalega's right post.

Marcos Alonso forced a decent save from Jordan Pickford in the 40th minute with an equally decent volley from a tight angle, and referee Kevin Friend denied Chelsea's penalty call two minutes to recess as the sides went into the break scoreless.

Jordan Pickford was forced to make an excellent save just a minute after the recess as Eden Hazard's cross was met by Alvaro Morata from few yards out.

Jordan Pickford would again pull off a couple of decent saves in a matter of minutes as Eden Hazard ’s powerful shot went straight into his palms. Eden Hazard twisted, turned and drove towards the edge of the box but his shot deflected off Yerry Mina and Jordan Pickford had to scramble to tip it over the bar, and into the top netting.

Chelsea momentarily thought they had found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute Alvaro Morata turned in Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross, but their celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee’s flag for an offside.