Premier League: Everton add to Chelsea misery

• Everton hosted Chelsea at the Goodison Park on Sunday evening in the Premier League clash
• Chelsea visited the Toffees with one win in the last five matches while Everton were in pretty good form
• The Toffees added to Chelsea’s misery this season, beating them 2-0 to push the Blues to the bottom half of the Premier League table

In a week filled with positive results, Everton secured their second victory in four days, defeating Chelsea 2-0 at Goodison Park. Manager Sean Dyche’s side, determined and resilient, maintained their climb up the Premier League table with a performance that mirrored their recent success against Newcastle. Despite Chelsea’s 71% possession, Everton’s ability to keep the visitors at bay and capitalize on their chances proved decisive, earning them a valuable three points.

While this win may not have showcased the same flourish as their previous match, where Everton scored three goals in the final 11 minutes, the manner of victory was undoubtedly pleasing for Dyche. Abdoulaye Doucoure struck early in the second half, and substitute Lewis Dobbin secured the win with his first-ever Premier League goal in added time. This victory allowed Everton to move four points clear of the relegation zone, an impressive feat considering their recent points deduction.

Chelsea, on the other hand, struggled to convert their possession into goals, continuing a trend that has seen them win just twice in their last eight league games under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the familiar failings in front of goal, Chelsea maintained the majority of possession throughout the match.

Everton players celebrate after scoring the opener against Chelsea in a Premier League clash on Sunday, December 10, 2023. | PHOTO: Everton FC |

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One downside for Everton was the fifth bookings of the season for defender Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Both players will be suspended for the upcoming trip to Burnley. Branthwaite’s absence will be particularly challenging for Dyche, given the limited options in the center-back position. However, Everton has shown resilience in the face of adversity, as evidenced by their impressive run since the 10-point deduction for breaching financial regulations.

Everton’s current form is commendable, taking nine points from a possible 12 since being plunged into the bottom three due to the points deduction. Their extended run includes 13 points from six matches, with just one defeat. Without the penalty, Everton would find themselves above Chelsea in 10th place.

The first half of the match saw injuries to both teams’ starting right-backs – Reece James for Chelsea and Ashley Young for Everton. A notable moment occurred when Cole Palmer received a booking for diving, and Jordan Pickford saved the only shot on target from Palmer’s 20-yard curler.

At halftime, Gueye was replaced by the fit-again Amadou Onana, providing Everton with a boost in midfield. Encouraged by Thursday’s win and the fact that Chelsea hadn’t posed a significant threat, Everton responded with determination in the second half.

Winger Dwight McNeil, gaining influence in recent games, had a low shot tipped around the post by Robert Sanchez. McNeil then set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose attempt was blocked by Sanchez, only for the loose ball to be calmly drilled home by Doucoure, marking his fifth goal of the season.

Chelsea’s attempts to get back into the game were hindered by Pickford’s solid performance and Everton’s resolute defense. Despite Branthwaite’s foul resulting in a free-kick for Chelsea, Pickford comfortably held Palmer’s effort.

Chelsea introduced Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson in an attempt to boost their attacking options, but Pickford remained largely untested, showcasing Everton’s defensive strength.

In the closing stages at Goodison Park, where the home crowd expressed their sentiments with chants of “You can stick your points deduction up your a***,” late substitute Dobbin sealed the victory in the second minute of stoppage time. Everton’s ability to overcome challenges and secure crucial wins highlights their resilience and sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season.