Everton 0-0 Chelsea (22 Dec, 2024) Game Analysis - ESPN (UK)

Revised: December 22, 2024, 4:54 PM

Striker Nicolas Jackson hit the post with a header from close range, preventing Chelsea from taking the top spot in the Premier League. They ended up with a 0-0 draw against Everton at a windy Goodison Park on Sunday.

The challenging conditions posed a struggle for both teams, yet each had opportunities to secure a victory. Jackson was unable to score from close range, being thwarted by Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, who helped his team achieve their fifth clean sheet in six matches.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made a crucial save against Jack Harrison, while Tosin Adarabioyo, a defender for the visiting team, blocked a shot from Iliman Ndiaye that was heading towards the goal. Everton put on a strong performance with their new executive chairman, Marc Watts, watching from the stands.

Chelsea holds the second spot on the table with 35 points, just one point behind the top team, Liverpool; however, they've played two more matches. Meanwhile, Everton has moved up to 15th place, accumulating 16 points from 16 games, and they are four points above the relegation zone.

This outcome ended Chelsea's impressive streak of eight consecutive victories across all competitions and five straight wins in the Premier League. However, they struggled to make an impact, managing only five shots on target during the match, most of which were easily handled.

"It was quite challenging. Everton is known for their strong defense and ability to prevent goals, while we're recognized as one of the top teams when it comes to scoring," said Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

"The first half was quite challenging due to the weather, but we displayed a strong determination. We're on a good streak and feeling confident. We’ll continue to push forward."

It was Everton's first match after being acquired by the Friedkin Group earlier in the week, and the team definitely showed a strong performance for their enthusiastic local supporters.

Pickford pulled off an incredible save to stop Jackson’s close-range shot in the opening moments of the match. Shortly after, Malo Gusto headed the rebound over the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.

Jackson had a great opportunity to score at the back post when a corner kick found him amidst a crowd of players, but his close-range header hit the crossbar and bounced away.

On the opposite side, Orel Mangala made a strong attempt that required Sanchez to make a great save. Sanchez dove to his right to stop a low shot taken from the edge of the area.

Harrison had a great chance to score when Ndiaye set him up with plenty of space at the back post, but Sanchez came through once more with an outstanding save.

Chelsea were relieved when Adarabioyo made an impressive block to stop Ndiaye from scoring from just four yards out; it was the final significant opportunity of the match.

"Last week, we faced a challenging match against Arsenal, but I believed we would create opportunities today. In the second half, we managed to do just that," said Everton defender James Tarkowski.

"We secured another match without conceding any goals, and we're making great progress right now. We're successfully preventing strong teams from finding the back of the net."