Everton vs. Chelsea, Premier League: Half-time report

Chelsea have dominated all facets of the game, but it remains all even in the one place where it matters, on the scoreboard. Chelsea have had the vast majority of possession, territory, impetus, shots, corners, even tackles, and of course chances, but the game is scoreless and that’s a fair bit frustrating. At one point Everton made two goal-line clearances in the span of two seconds, which already has added plenty into the “one of those days” column.

That’s not to say Chelsea couldn’t have shown a bit more cutting edge. Hazard missed his shot just a couple minutes in while Pedro twice had great shooting chances only to fluff his lines. He did test Pickford with a rasping effort, but the Everton man was up to the task. A great chance from a free kick sailed just high from Willian (maybe just let Alonso take them).

At the other end, Chelsea have kept it fairly tidy, though Calvert-Lewin has had remarkable success in bodying up Christensen and Azpilicueta both on the ground and in the air. Fortunately, he’s had no support at all from the rest of his team, so Chelsea have been able to clean up every time so far.

Chelsea started very well but the tempo has dropped after the first 20 minutes. Now it’s a grind, which is exactly what Allardyce will have wanted. Chelsea have to find that goal somehow.

COME ON, CHELSEA!