By Gary Watton
December 23 2017
Chelsea recorded only their third draw of the current league campaign, their second on Merseyside and their second scoreless draw. The word scoreless is very apt because the champions have actually failed to score more than once in ten of their league encounters. Yesterday in the absence of a recognised centre forward, the Blues huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the Everton house down. In fact it was a telling moment that the closest that Chelsea came to scoring was courtesy of an Everton header which hit their own woodwork. Otherwise, a very well organised home defence and excellent goalkeeping from Pickford managed to restrict the visitors to no goals and a solitary point.
Chelsea did actually play well and did everything but score against a team that seemed intent on defending deep. Unfortunately there were too many scuffed shots and puny attempts at goal by the visitors. Hazard and Pedro did work their goalkeeper, it is true, but it remains particularly galling that Salah at Liverfools is outscoring Hazard, Pedro, and Willian. Oh well. At least Bakayoko produced one of his best performances for his new employer - although some might say that this would not be too difficult. Regrettably Zappacosta appears to be getting worse instead of better. He's just not a patch on Victor Moses.
Our next assignment is at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day. It will be the battle of the goal shy.
Everton 0 CHELSEA 0; half time: 0-0
CHELSEA: Courtois; Azpilicueta; Rudiger; Moses; Christensen; Bakayoko; Kante; Pedro; Willian; Alonso; Hazard. Used substitutes: Fabregas; Batshuayi; Zappacosta
CHELSEA leading scorers:
Morata eleven
Hazard eight
Batshuayi seven
Willian six
Alonso four
Bakayoko three
Pedro three
Azpilicueta two
Fabregas two
Rudiger two
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