In a display that was probably both an Evertonian’s nightmare and a defensive coach’s dream, Sam Allardyce once again managed to cause murder amongst a set of fans that believe they are entitled to beat everyone as they pass them by with a pat on the back and a smile.
But when you’re coming to Goodison you can swerve your pats on the back and you can take a sucker punch from an angry Jordan Pickford. Combine that with a biblical two-footer from Idrissa Gana Gueye and a flailing elbow from Jonjoe Kenny and you can create Chelsea tears in about 3 seconds flat.
And if Keane’s header found the net, oh my, that’s a night sorted isn’t it. But as Everton remain Everton, you’re never getting 100% satisfaction across ninety minutes so alas, 0-0.
Anyway there were some things to be excited about going forward and some things that need to improve ( And one that needs to be dealt with).
Jordan Pickford- 8
On a one man charge for a clean sheet, Pickford dealt with about 5 tricky situations with immense confidence.
Chelsea were never getting past him.
Jonjoe Kenny - 7
Another excellent defensive display was hampered only by some wayward distribution towards the end of the game.
Phil Jagielka- 7
As Holgate and Williams were incapacitated with the flu, Jagielka deputies and seemed to cope extremely well considering the intimidating attack he found himself up against.
He won most of the duels he was required to and contributed with an excellent goal line clearance in the first half.
Michael Keane - 7
Much like Jagielka, Keane was required to battle like hell against the Chelsea front 4 and coped incredibly aptly.
His distribution was back to its best and it is a real confidence booster going into the new year.
Cuco Martina- 7
Martina was never going to be in his comfort zone today, but in the face of incredible pace, he put out a good account of himself with some brave blocks in the second half and launching a few counter attacks with intent.
Tom Davies - 5
Some marauding runs were unfortunately countered by poor decision making in his own half and it led to his withdrawal at half time.
Morgan Schneiderlin - 8
Very much a return to form from the prodigal son as he put in some very committed tackles mixed with some positive passing.
A far cry from his less than passionate displays as of late.
Idrissa Gana Gueye- 7
Gana won the ball in some very positive positions which led to chances and seemed defensively sound.
He was unfortunately withdrawn shortly after the half with an injury.
Gylfi Sigurdsson - 6
Hard working as usual but nothing was there for him as we were under pressure for almost the entire 90 minutes.
Aaron Lennon- 6
Was very much a livewire as usual in the first half as he scared some Chelsea defenders back into position towards the end of the 45, and was strangely withdrawn at half time for Sandro, who certainly didn’t justify his inclusion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 6
Was fouled consistently but the referee didn’t seem to be bothered in the slightest as nothing at all was given.
However he is still slightly scared in front of goal as he was too indecisive at two points in the Game with opportunities that could have gotten us a goal.
Subs-
Sandro Ramirez-
Not really sure why he came on when it happened, and I’m still scratching my head now. Offered nothing and did not seem committed to the cause in the slightest.
Ashley Williams- 5
He was fine. Did his job. Nothing more, nothing less.
Beni Baningime – 6
With incredibly big boots to fill, Beni did incredibly well not to be overwhelmed by the Chelsea midfield and tried to look forward with the ball at any opportunity.