Chelsea’s pursuit of the Premier League summit hit a snag at Goodison Park, as their encounter with Everton ended in a goalless stalemate. The blustery conditions contributed to a fragmented and scrappy match, marking the first time in 16 league games that Chelsea failed to find the back of the net. Their most promising opportunities fell to Nicolas Jackson in the first half, but Jordan Pickford thwarted him at close range before Jackson’s header from a corner grazed the post. Everton struggled to create significant chances initially but threatened in the second half, forcing an excellent save from Robert Sanchez to deny Jack Harrison inside the box. Tosin Adarabioyo then produced a heroic block to prevent Iliman Ndiaye from scoring from close range.
The draw prevented Chelsea from overtaking Liverpool at the top of the table, leaving them trailing the Reds, who had a game in hand. Everton, meanwhile, remained behind the leaders despite having played two more matches. The result did, however, lift them to 15th place, ahead of Crystal Palace on goal difference and with a game in hand, creating a four-point cushion above the relegation zone. This positive result followed another goalless draw against Arsenal the previous week, further bolstering Everton’s spirits, which were already high following the Friedkin Group’s recent takeover of the club.
Coming into the match as the Premier League’s highest scorers and boasting the most away goals in the division, Chelsea found their attack largely stifled. Jackson, following his early chances, was kept quiet, and Cole Palmer struggled to showcase his usual flair in the final third. While the result wouldn’t cause undue concern for manager Enzo Maresca, it highlighted their difficulty in breaking down a low block, a recurring issue from the previous season under Mauricio Pochettino. Conversely, Everton, having appeared defensively vulnerable earlier in the campaign, registered their third consecutive clean sheet in the league and their fifth in the last six matches.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, scoring just once in their last six games, Sean Dyche has molded Everton into a resilient and difficult team to overcome. Their defensive solidity, with only five teams in the league conceding fewer goals, suggests they are well-equipped to avoid relegation. Everton’s next challenge will be a Boxing Day trip to face Manchester City, where they will aim to continue their impressive run against top-tier opposition. Chelsea, having missed the opportunity to extend their league winning streak to six, will return to Stamford Bridge to host their west London rivals, Fulham.
Iliman Ndiaye emerged as a standout performer in a match otherwise lacking in quality. The summer signing consistently troubled Axel Disasi on Everton’s left flank. It was Ndiaye’s cross that set up Harrison’s golden opportunity, denied only by Tosin’s exceptional block. He brought composure and a cutting edge to Everton’s attack, a stark contrast to the general lack of creativity on display. In a game of few clear chances, Ndiaye’s contributions were pivotal for Everton.
Key moments in the match included Neto’s drive and pass to Palmer, who set up Jackson’s close-range effort, denied by Pickford in the 26th minute. Soon after, in the 32nd minute, Jackson again came close, heading a corner against the upright. The second half saw Sanchez produce a superb save to deny Harrison in the 50th minute from Ndiaye’s cross. Finally, Tosin’s crucial block in the 78th minute thwarted Ndiaye, ensuring the scoreline remained goalless. These key moments encapsulated a closely contested match where both defenses ultimately prevailed.
