Everton’s win over Chelsea is a momentous victory in the survival fight
Everton hosted the European Champions Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday. Frank Lampard‘s men have been treading in dangerous waters and a positive result was crucial ahead of the business end of the Premier League season.
Coming into this game the Toffees were sitting in 18th place, six points adrift of safety. Burnley’s three wins on the trot have seen them come out of the drop zone and sit 16th with 34 points. With an abysmal away record, the Toffees have to bank on maximizing the home games and taking points off sides like Chelsea.
Lampard made two changes to the starting lineup from last weekend, Yerry Mina returning to the lineup in place of Michael Keane. Allan had a silent game against Liverpool and was dropped in favour of Fabian Delph in order to provide more solidity and distribution in the midfield. On paper, it looked like Lampard had lined his troops in a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1 shape but once the game began, Everton played a 5-4-1 with Alex Iwobi playing as a right wing back.
Everton needed a faultless performance in order to keep their hopes alive of survival and oh boy did they deliver. Richarlison scored soon after the break as the Toffees capitalized on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s mistake. The sublime finish from the Brazilian was his eighth Premier League goal of the campaign. The deserved win keeps Everton in 18th position but within two points of safety with one game in hand compared to Leeds United and Burnley.
Everton player ratings vs Chelsea
Jordan Pickford – 10
Jordan Pickford was well in his element and had no slip ups throughout the first half. His powerful throw to Vitaliy Mykolenko allowed the Toffees to launch an attack. Pulled off three splendid saves in succession in the second half. Had it not been for Pickford, the Toffees would have conceded the equalizer.
The Englishman kept Everton in the game and produced one of the finest goalkeeping displays Goodison has ever seen in recent times. The 28 year old made five saves to keep his sixth clean sheet of the season.
Yerry Mina’s return to Everton defence was a huge boost
Defence:
Seamus Coleman – 8
Seamus Coleman operated as the third centre back and has hardly given Timo Werner any chance to dominate. The captain has gone toe to toe and was leading from the front. He made bursting runs down the flank which gave worries to Marcos Alonso who was clearly struggling to contain the Irishman.
Yerry Mina – 8
Mina returned to the starting lineup after being given rest in the Merseyside derby. The Colombian’s return was a big welcome as Everton tends to remain more secure at the back in his presence. That is what exactly happened in the first half as Mina’s influence on the backline meant that the Toffees kept themselves out of trouble.
The 27 year old had a nail-biting battle with Mason Mount throughout the first 45 minutes. He also had juicy battles with Kai Havertz and clearly had won the mental battle against the two Chelsea players.
Mason Holgate – 7.5
With Mina, Mason Holgate has looked more confident and reliable at the back. The Englishman has made key interceptions and dealt with the threat of Havertz. At times, his position could have landed Everton in danger in the second half but overall Holgate managed to rack up a sound display.
Fabian Delph and Abdoulaye Doucoure were solid in the middle for Everton
Midfield:
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 8
Vitaliy Mykolenko launched an Everton attack, playing a lovely through ball to Demarai Gray but played it a little bit late as the winger was flagged offside. Playing as a left wing back, he galloped forward while also keeping Mount in check.
With every game, Mykolenko is settling into the Everton culture, oozing energy and dynamism throughout the game. He had the chance to double Everton’s lead but squandered the shot wide. His lung bursting runs forward throughout the game were a highlight.
Fabian Delph – 7.5
Lampard chose the leadership and experience of Delph over Allan. When fit, the former Manchester City man has been the midfield lynchpin, protecting the rearguard and spraying passes upfront.
Delph’s presence was instantly felt as he made vital contributions, playing the ball forward and often covering a lot of ground to support the defence. Was substituted after 70 minutes to bring on the fresh legs of Allan.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 8
Workhorse Abdoulaye Doucoure was running around up and down the pitch to make his presence felt in all areas of the ground. The tenacious display from him and his midfield partner Delph allowed Everton to remain on top of things.
When Chelsea pushed for an equalizer during the final stages of the game, Doucoure didn’t shy away from putting challenges and throwing himself in the path of the ball. He cleverly laid off a pass to Mykolenko who should have scored the second goal but the 22 year old scuffed the shot wide.
Alex Iwobi – 8
Alex Iwobi played as a right wing back, a position he has previously deputized in. While he did not have much of a creative impact, his hard work on the right flank did not go unnoticed. The Nigerian tirelessly pressed forward and defended with dedication. Supported Coleman and covered for him when the captain rushed forward.
Richarlison’s goal sent the magical Goodison Park into ecstasy
Attack:
Anthony Gordon – 8
Won an early free kick in a favourable position just outside the box. Attempting to curl one in, the free kick flew over the crossbar. Anthony Gordon was once again the most lively player for Everton in the first half, giving Antonio Rudiger a hard time. As the game went on and Chelsea were finding an equalizer, Gordon was looking for opportunities to counter.
Richarlison – 9
Richarlison started the game with intent and pushed forward. His industrious nature enabled Everton to put pressure on Chelsea defenders as he was the first line of press. Eventually, his persistent pressing forced Azpilicueta to make a mistake and Richarlison scored the winner from a close range. The 24 year old seemed to have picked up an ankle knock which eventually saw him come off for Salomon Rondon.
Demarai Gray – 8
Demarai Gray and Gordon had been ruthlessly running and powering through the Chelsea lines on every possible occasion. He laid off the ball to Richarlison which was neatly finished by the Brazilian as that goal sealed the victory for the Toffees.
The former Leicester City man came close to scoring the second as Richarlison played a perfect ball in the goal area but Gray couldn’t muster the desired contact with the ball. There were shouts of a penalty as the Englishman felt contact but VAR did not award the penalty. His defensive work was well appreciated too.
Substitutions
Allan – 7
Offered energy in the middle and tidied up the midfield further, giving absolutely nothing to Chelsea.
Salomon Rondon – 7
Came on for injured Richarlison in the 80th minute. He worked hard to contain the ball and was fairly successful in it.
Dele Alli – N.A
Will Everton survive the relegation battle?