The pattern of the game was established very early on, with Chelsea maintaining the large majority of possession and [Everton](https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com) sitting back with ten men in the box.
Everton’s gameplan was helped greatly by the conditions, which were particularly awful at the start of the game: blustery winds and sheets of rain coming down. Sean Dyche couldn’t have dreamed of better. The recent Merseyside Derby was canceled for less.
Chelsea did eventually break down the hosts a couple times, but couldn’t quite cash in, with Pickford making a stellar save on a Jackson chance, then the striker also hitting the post on a corner. Malo Gusto had a chance on the rebound in both cases, but was not able to hit the target either.
Everton had one sight on goal, from a midfield turnover, but Sánchez made the necessary save.
And that’s how the second half began as well, with Sánchez producing an excellent stop to keep the game scoreless before Chelsea grew back into the game after a slower start to the period.
But much like in the first half, we were not able to break down the opposition, who were also a bit more game to actually play now. And only a tremendous block by Tosin Adarabioyo kept the game scoreless as we headed into the final quarter hour.
Unfortunately, that final quarter hour also did not produce the requisite quality or luck to find a winner, for either side.
Carefree.
* Defensive reshuffle due to injuries and suspensions, with Gusto starting on the left and Disasi on the right
* First time we failed to score in a league match since the opening day defeat to Manchester City
* The winning streak ends at 8; time to start another one!
* Everton’s fourth 0-0 draw in their last six games
* Chelsea stay second, a point behind Liverpool who play next, away to Spurs (and will still have a game in-hand after)
* Next up: Fulham at home on Boxing Day
* KTBFFH
[PLAYER RATINGS](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbUvjRkGryeo5lFnOH_-Js7Q3MQ_pHER7ZIRNz1-JLsieuCA/viewform?usp=header):