Everton defended resiliently on Sunday afternoon to earn a point at home to Chelsea in the Premier League showdown.
Chelsea travelled to Goodison Park this weekend in fantastic form, winning eight in a row across all competitions, but they were held to a 0-0 draw at Everton.
Enzo Maresca’s side missed the chance to climb to the top of the league table. Next, they host neighbours Fulham on Boxing Day.
It was a pretty frustrating watch for Blues supporters against a stubborn Everton side. They should take some positivity from a clean sheet, though. In fact, Chelsea supporters hailed Robert Sanchez for his display in goal at Everton.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 22, 2024 in Liverpoo...
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Everton centre-back James Tarkowski, 32, was part of a backline that defended well versus Chelsea.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Tarkowski claimed that the Toffees managed to keep their opponents and Cole Palmer relatively quiet in Sunday’s match.
Tarkowski told BBC Radio 5 Live (4:42pm, 22 December): “”I am proud of the way we worked today against a top, top side – a good point.
“They have got some good players, especially Cole Palmer, who we kept quiet.”
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Jaap Stam thinks Chelsea’s Palmer may be the Premier League’s best player right now, but he just couldn’t produce that extra bit of magic on the trip to Everton.
Cole Palmer has tough Chelsea display vs Everton
Like most of Chelsea’s players against Everton, Palmer struggled to get anywhere near top gear as an attacking threat.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder couldn’t find much space in-between the lines. Unfortunately, he stays put on 11 goals and six assists in the league so far this season.
Here is a look at Palmer’s individual contribution versus Everton via FOTMOB:
Match rating – 6.8
Minutes played – 90
Total shots – 2
Successful dribbles – 3/5 (60%)
Touches – 51
Touches in opposition box – 3
Accurate passes – 20/25 (80%)
Chances created – 3
Accurate crosses – 1/7 (14%)
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Palmer respond in emphatic fashion when Chelsea take on Fulham at home on Boxing Day. The English playmaker never stays quiet for too long.
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