Chelsea missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton.
Match Report
In a scrappy encounter at Stamford Bridge, Maurizio Sarri's side were made to wait until five minutes before the break for their first shot on target, as Marcos Alonso's volley was denied by a smart Jordan Pickford save.
A frantic passage of play after the interval saw Pickford on hand again to deny Alvaro Morata, before Gylfi Sigurdsson stung the palms of Chelsea's goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
With time running out, Marcos Alonso hit the post for the Blues, but Marco Silva's Toffees held on for a point.
Match Events
23' Luiz's free-kick inches wide out
Willian, Marcos Alonso and David Luiz all stand over the free-kick but it’s the full-back who takes and sends the set-piece around the wall, but unfortunately for him – narrowly around the post as well.
60' CLOSE! Willian's shot inches wide out
The match is becoming more and more stretched as Hazard plays a ball forward to Willian from inside his own half. The Brazil international streaks into the penalty area and flashes a shot towards the far post, but it just misses the corner!
65' PITY! Alonso's shot hits the post
Rudiger plays a high, hanging ball towards the penalty area for Hazard whose outstretched foot taps it forwards for Marcos Alonso. The full-back smashes the pass on the volley from an acute angle, but his shot hits the far post and rolls out for a goal-kick! We’re getting ever-closer to a goal at Stamford Bridge!
71' OFFSIDE! Morata's goal disallowed
Azpilicueta’s cross from the right bounces just in front of the outstretched Mina and the striker is inside the six-yard box to beat the keeper, but once again he is unable to hold his line and the fourth official raises his flag!
88' Richarlison has gone down in the centre-circle holding the inside of his leg. Perhaps a bit of cramp in the late stages? Calvert-Lewin is on the touchline ready to replace him and wind down a bit more of the clock.
Line-ups
Chelsea XI: Willian, D.Luiz, Azpilicueta, E. Hazard, Morata, M.Alonso, M. Kovačić, Jorginho, A. Rüdiger, Kepa, N. Kanté
Subs: Fàbregas, W. Caballero, O. Giroud, Pedro, Barkley, Zappacosta, A. Christensen
Everton XI: Walcott, Coleman, G. Sigurðsson, I. Gueye, Digne, J. Pickford, Bernard, M.Keane, A.Gomes, Y. Mina, Richarlison
Subs: M. Stekelenburg, Jagielka, Baines, C. Tosun, Dominic, Davies, Lookman
tropicalda
311
Offside that morata has in this game is more than his 2018 goals.
elninoh de suspect
289
Sarri smokes but its only morata that will affect His health...😬😬
Nesaiknruy_Legend
216
As expected it was a tough game. I already knew Everton were gonna give us a hard time. Thankfully our defence did a decent job of containing Richarlison as I did say he's one to watch out for. Overall not a great result but at this stage at least we remain unbeaten and in a much better position than last season. Still think we need to definitely being in; 1. New striker, 25+ a season goals not just potential 2. Right winger with left foot. Sign Bailey even if his dad is annoying af with his demands. 3. New full backs. Said many times Azpi ain't hacking it as a full back and Alonso is limited by his speed. 4. Koulibaly style defender. I feel like a parrot since I've been repeating our needs over and over again but that's just how it is. If we are serious about competing, there 4 areas need vast improvement....
zeoabilmyz
171
Giroud and Morata ; We don't need another striker .
KingDave10
161
Morata deserves "Off-side d'or
preciousgeoffrey59
156
One with morata is indeed one with minority
derived
150
Maurizio Sarri has set a new managerial record for the best unbeaten run from the start of a @premierleague career (12 games).
pusabdrstz
145
This rubbish play of pass the ball back and forth, keep it low is not attacking football, Mr Sarri. Bring in Fabregas and swing the ball into the box so that Chelsea players can challenge for it. it was disappoint match and there will be more draws to come, if we do not play attacking football.
cityzenOg
129
Chelsea despite Sarri's tactical genius still depends heavily on Hazard & Willam for creativity going forward & Everton defense & Pickford did a great job.
asakila
94
Away games teams very defensive against top six, one needs exceptional creativity to break the deadlock forcing visitors to attack and open up to more goal concession