The nine-goal thriller could arguably be heralded as match of the season, but Everton’s pragmatism and caution — which in fairness, was also displayed in Saturday’s Merseyside derby — highlighted Roberto Martinez had learned his lesson.
Frankly, it was Everton’s work ethic and defensive shape without the ball that shaped the tempo of the match. Martinez’s side maintained a low block without the ball, and dropped into two banks of four, allowing Chelsea to maintain possession. The away side’s reactive approach was logical, and they were equally fortunate that Chelsea’s transitional attacks were laboured, thus allowing the Toffees time to get players behind the ball.
The odd feat regarding Everton’s shape however was Barkley’s decision to press Ramires, opposed to Nemanja Matic, who was free to stamp his authority on the match, and join Chelsea attacks from deep. Matic was undoubtedly the most influential player on the field — alongside Eden Hazard — completing all seven take-ons, while recording a match high 13 ball recoveries.
Chelsea dominated possession, and created quality chances, but the away side’s deep positioning partially thwarted their overall threat. Everton, though, continued to struggle in the final third. Ross Barkley dropped into pockets of space when the Toffees utilized possession, but similar to recent displays this season, a lack of penetration and creativity foiled Everton’s attack. The away side also opted to play balls into the channel for Romelu Lukaku, and apart from two quality Petr Cech saves, Kurt Zouma negated the Belgian’s physical presence.
Jose Mourinho’s side, however, were equally underwhelming in possession. Although Chelsea’s recent performances at Stamford Bridge haven’t eclipsed the standard set by the Blues a few months ago, at times the display was completely flat. Muhamed Besic moved towards the right to help Seamus Coleman against Hazard, but the Belgian was still the most proactive Blues player. The Belgian earned bookings for Coleman and Besic in the opening half, whereas his off-the-ball runs into the left channel and individual slaloms towards goal placed the home side into dangerous areas.
An over reliance on Hazard was a common theme at Stamford Bridge last season, often leaving the Belgian frustrated with his expected workload. While the match followed a similar theme Wednesday night, Mourinho’s team selection was linked with Chelsea’s difficulty in the final third. Mourinho’s XI was filled with pacy, diligent, counter-attacking players, but with limited space to break into, the Blues failed to break down Everton’s deep back-line – put simply, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas’ guile and creativity in the final third was missed.
Willian, debutant Juan Cuadrado, and Loic Remy were impressive in the build up to attacks, but the direct South American wide players — the former started the match as a no.10 due to Oscar’s absence — lacked substance in attacking areas, and although the latter’s link up play was positive, his presence was non-existent in the box. Chelsea’s pressing pegged Everton into their third in the opening period, but as they tired in the second half, Gareth Barry enjoyed a brief spell moving to the left to receive the ball to play forward passes. Despite Barry receiving more time on the ball, Everton’s threat remained scarce throughout.
John Stones and Phil Jagielka led an Everton back-line that coped with countless Chelsea crosses for majority of the match, and Martinez’s decision to move to a 4-3-3 and introduce Darren Gibson in midfield exemplified his satisfaction with the result. Mourinho turned to Didier Drogba for his aerial and physical prowess, and Fabregas for creativity, moving the Spaniard behind the Ivorian.
Nevertheless, where Matic’s goal was rightly ruled offside, shortly afterwards, Willian’s deflected effort beat Howard from distance, which preserved Chelsea’s seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
“It was a very difficult match, it was a different Everton and when I say that I mean it as a compliment, Mourinho said.” “They played with a low block and defended very well. They gave us the ball and used Lukaku to attack the spaces. They were a very difficult opponent and I’m so happy with the three points.”
This wasn’t a classic Chelsea display, but as proven in the past, some good fortune and persistence can be the difference maker in a successful title triumph. Chelsea may have dropped points in this predicament 12 months ago.
