Everton 2-0 Chelsea, Premier League: Post-match reaction

Chelsea were utterly dominant in the first half, especially in the first 15 minutes, with all the possession and almost all the chances, but as we’ve seen far too many times this season, could not take advantage. Hazard hit the post and Pedro had an effort ruled out for offside that was marginal, at best. Still, it looked like there was only one team in it and Chelsea’s breakthrough was surely only a matter of time.

Except, it was Everton who broke through early in the second half, and flipped the script. The key difference for them of course was that they were able to take advantage of / got lucky with their opportunities. Both goals came from unfortunate rebounds from Kepa saves, first from a corner after atrocious defending, then from a penalty after further atrocious defending.

Not a good day.

• Lineup from Sarri just as expected, with the one difference of Alonso starting instead of Emerson.
• Like-for-like subs Loftus-Cheek for Barkley and Giroud for Higuaín, then a switch to 4-2-3-1 with Hudson-Odoi on for Jorginho.
• Can’t win if you don’t convert your chances.
• Five-match unbeaten run over.
• Fourth loss in the last five away games in the Premier League, all without scoring a goal. That’s not how you finish top four.
• Chelsea remain sixth, 1 point behind Manchester United (5th), 3 points behind Arsenal (4th), and 4 points behind Spurs (3rd). All three teams have 8 games left.
• Next up: two-week international break. Plenty to think on.

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