Chelsea’s eight-game winning run in all competitions came to an end at a ground supporters have come accustomed to not taking all three points from in recent years.
The 0-0 draw was the Blues’ last game at Goodison Park, with their opponents set to move stadium at the end of this season.
Enzo Maresca stated after the game he was happy with Chelsea’s performance, with a number of individuals at the back stepping up to protect their clean sheet.
The boss will have learnt a lot from his side though, and where they stand in the media-pushed race for the Premier League title.
Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, reacts alongside Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea F...
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Three things Enzo Maresca will have learned from Everton 0-0 Chelsea
Marc Cucurella is absolutely crucial to Chelsea’s system
Marc Cucurella was suspended after Chelsea’s last game against Brentford, following his red card that came after the final whistle.
The Spaniard has been a near ever-present for the Blues in the Premier League, with his ability to both invert as well as overlap and help Jadon Sancho being key to how they play.
Yesterday saw Chelsea attempt to counter him not being available by shifting Malo Gusto to the left, however he clearly struggled with what was being asked of him in the unfamiliar role.
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Now available again for the local derby against Fulham, Maresca will be making Cucurella one of the first names on his teamsheet for the festive fixture.
The substitutes need to be utilised earlier
Chelsea went 75 minutes without making a change against Everton on Sunday, and even when they did they only made two substitutions during the game.
Blues fans were unhappy Joao Felix wasn’t given the chance to impact proceedings, with him left on the bench alongside the likes of Marc Guiu and Tyrique George.
It was clear that Chelsea were struggling to break down their struggling opponents yesterday, and some of their key players were way off their game.
This included Cole Palmer, and while it may be difficult to make the call to replace someone of his quality, Maresca may need to make that decision in the future.
January signings may be needed at Chelsea
While they left Merseyside with a clean sheet, there was a makeshift look to the backline for Chelsea at the weekend.
With Gusto shifted to the left, Axel Disasi started in the unfamiliar right-back role, with only Renato Veiga and Josh Acheampong recognised defenders on the bench.
Pat Nevin felt sorry for Disasi for having to play out wide, however the injury issues affecting them at the back is more of the concern here.
Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are set to be out for a while, and if they haven’t shook off their reoccurring issues, signings may be needed to reflect this in January.
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