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Nick juddTransfer writer
Chelsea’s unbeaten streak of 17 matches in all competitions came to an end at Goodison Park when Everton won 1-0, and the home side achieved their second victory in eight matches. The defeat of Frank Lampard’s team means that Chelsea lost their chance to reach the top of the league.
Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute following an Edouard Mendy foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Reece James had Chelsea’s best chances to get back into the game, but Jordan Pickford denied him twice, and Chelsea were unable to break a determined baseline that featured four central defenders.
Positive
Chelsea responded well in the second half, playing with greater urgency and totally dominating the ball. James was the chosen one of the group; solid in the back and a nuisance in the future.
Negative
Chelsea had up to 78% possession at one point in the first half, but couldn’t turn that into scoring chances. Kai Havertz and Timo Werner seemed lost in wider positions, while Olivier Giroud was isolated in attack.
Manager rating out of 10
5 – In the absence of the injured Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, Lampard’s men seemed lacking in ideas, with Havertz and Werner perfect examples of square pegs in round holes. In hindsight, it seemed that the Chelsea formation did not suit the staff.
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Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players submitted after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK Edouard Mendy, 6 years old His sloppy challenge on Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Gylfi Sigurdsson a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot, which he took advantage of. Mendy recovered well after that, however he saved well twice from Richarlison.
DF Reece James, age 8 It was another good performance from James, who was everywhere. It was particularly impressive in the last third. He threw a long-distance free kick to Pickford’s upper left, which was well saved, and then another fine shot that Pickford turned toward the post. In the second half, he showed excellent positional awareness to take cover in the middle when Everton attacked on the counter.
DF Kurt Zouma, 6 years old The central defender had an excellent opportunity to equalize the score after Giroud’s knockdown, but was only able to hit Pickford directly. Zouma found himself attacking areas numerous times.
DF Thiago Silva, 6 – The Brazilian looked comfortable on the ball, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave him a rough night. First, he was hit by the England striker when he then fell for the penalty that won Everton the game, and then Silva entered the book for fouling his opponent.
DF Ben Chilwell, 5 – The left-back had a difficult task for Alex Iwobi on his return to Goodison Park. In the second half, Chilwell appeared to have dropped Calvert-Lewin for a penalty, but the Everton forward was determined to be offside.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 6 years old – Along with Kante, he helped control the central areas, but was later unable to adequately support those in front of him. He often dribbled the ball towards the Everton half, but couldn’t influence the game when he got there.
MF N’Golo Kante, 7 – A couple of wasted balls early failed to disguise his class, and he was consistent with the visitors as those around him struggled to shoot full blast.
MF Mason Mount, 7 – A quiet game by recent England international standards, although it became the match after Chelsea fell behind. He was unlucky enough to escape a caution after pushing Yerry Mina towards Jordan Pickford, but then came close twice in the second half, first with a chip that ended just over the crossbar, and again when he hit the post with a free shot. .
DEL Kai Havertz, 5 – Havertz played a wide position and it really didn’t work out; He slowed Chelsea down when in possession and seemed to lack urgency. He was substituted in the second half.
DEL Olivier Giroud, 5 – The Frenchman had a difficult night facing four central defenders and often seemed isolated. He had few shooting opportunities and when he got a shot on goal, he had ten minutes to go on the clock.
DEL Timo Werner, 5 – The German striker played on both sides of the pitch, but never seemed comfortable. He provided the odd cross for his teammates, but you feel like he could have had more impact in the middle. He missed Ziyech’s influence.
Substitutes
FW Tammy Abraham, 5 – Abraham played one of the two open positions and didn’t seem to suit him. He turned the ball over on several occasions and was second best in aerial challenges.
MF Billy Gilmour, NR – Gilmour made his second appearance with the club since July. Chelsea needed a goal and Gilmour’s introduction highlighted the lack of attacking options in the absence of Christian Pulisic and Yiyech. It was ordered in possession, but it wasn’t what was needed.