Everton have taken two positive results - and four points - from their last two matches. Against Wolves and against Arsenal, the Blues scored four goals in the former while holding one of the top-scoring clubs in England to nothing. Against a rejuvenated and invigorated Chelsea, the Toffees will need some goals and proper organization to take three on Merseyside
Three points would be tremendous currently, as it would lift the side into 15th place above Crystal Palace with a game in hand. For Chelsea, three is just as important in many ways, as a victory brings the side closer to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League; Goodison Park hasn’t always been kind to them however.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, we spoke to Dávid Pásztor, manager of SB Nation’s Chelsea blog, We Ain’t Got No History:
RBM: First off, how is Chelsea and their supporters feeling at this point in this whirlwind season thus far? The team has looked so much better than last year; how, and why?
WAGNH: We’re feeling pretty good at the moment, with the team sitting in second, on an eight-match winning run in all competitions, and scoring goals for fun along the way. The vibes aren’t immaculate, but this is the best we’ve played and looked in a few years, and a few head coaches.
A lot of that improvement is down to the new manager of course, but it’s also a result of this young team maturing and growing together as a group. We’ve settled down in the transfer market and we seem to be developing a strong core to take us forward not only this season but for many seasons in the future. Dare I say, the master plan from the ownership group, is working.
RBM: Talk to us about Enzo Maresca and the remarkable improvement he’s made on this team that was floundering over the last several years?
WAGNH: Maresca was viewed as a very dogmatic coach in the summer, prior to his appointment, and we expected that he would turn Chelsea into automatons that can play one way and one way only.
As it turns out, he’s far less set in his ways than we had feared, and he’s harnessed the players’ individual qualities in very effective ways. While the emphasis is still on methodical possession and build-up, there’s room for improvisation, for direct play, for a bit fun. It’s not quite the chaos-ball that ended up working well for us late last season, but it’s a hybrid approach that is still being fine-tuned, and is already striking some entertaining notes.
Maresca’s man-management has also been very effective, keeping players, by and large, happy and focused and involved. It’s not been perfect, it never is, but right now, it really does feel like this team could be going places in the near future.
RBM: What is this team doing well this year when they’re at their best, and what are they doing poorly at their worst?
WAGNH: At our best, we’re an irresistible attacking force, be that with Cole Palmer pulling the strings, or Nicolas Jackson being a menace to defenders, or any of our multitude of wingers creating havoc out wide. When we can get into a rhythm or flow, either in possession or in transition, we can be unstoppable.
At our worst, we inflict damage on ourselves with silly mistakes at the back, poor decision-making up front, and critical lapses of concentration in all phases. These sorts of concerns are hallmarks of young teams, improving on them is where we’ve seen some marked progress with this team.
RBM: What are the expectations for Chelsea this season across England and Europe?
WAGNH: Expectations have been raised a bit by our results thus far under Maresca, and anything but a top-four finish would likely be a disappointment. Our League Cup run ended quite early, so ideally, we’d do a bit better in the FA Cup, while in Europe, nothing short of a trophy will suffice, given how easy we’ve found this UEFA Conference League competition so far.
RBM: Should this side be in the mood to spend more in January, what and who might they be looking for?
WAGNH: We’re not expecting any significant transfer activity in January. There may be some loan activity, and fringe players may look to leave, but I wouldn’t be surprised if nothing really happens at all. We could use an upgrade at goalkeeper, maybe, but that issue probably won’t be revisited until next season.
RBM: What can be said about the Mudryk drug circumstances and how it could impact this side?
WAGNH: Not much can be said at the moment as we await the results of the B-sample. If that’s also positive, we’re looking at a multi-year suspension. That’s obviously not great.
As far as impact to the side, however, the harsh reality is that Mudryk has been little more than a fringe player this season and has struggled the most in understanding how Maresca wants his wingers to play. And that’s not a new thing for Mudryk either; it’s fair to say that he’s not lived up to the hype and expectations from when Chelsea decided to shell out untold millions for him two years ago.
For now, Mudryk has the express support and belief of the club and the management, but the length of his contract won’t save him should he get a multi-year ban from the sport.
RBM: Who can you see giving Everton some trouble this Sunday on Merseyside, and how might Chelsea line up against Everton?
WAGNH: Marc Cucurella’s suspension and a few injuries in defense could lead to a reshuffle of the backline, which might see Moisés Caicedo line up at right back and “invert” into midfield in possession.
Either way, expect a 4-2-3-1 on paper (out of possession), morphing into a 3-2-2-3 in possession, with Palmer and Enzo Fernández pulling the strings. Caicedo has been an absolute force of nature in midfield (either starting there or inverting) in recent weeks as well.
RBM: Finally, what’s your prediction for Sunday’s match?
WAGNH: Goodison has not been a happy place for us in recent years, but I’m cautiously hoping for a 2-1 win.
Our thanks to Dávid for his time.