Liverpool boss Arne Slot has offered his verdict on Chelsea's draw against Everton which arrived a few hours before his side beat Tottenham 6-3 in a stunning Premier League clash. Though they would have been swiftly overtaken by Liverpool, the Blues missed the chance to go top after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton.
Following the latest round of results, Chelsea remain in second on 35 points with Liverpool moving up to a tally of 39, six points above Arsenal in third. On Saturday evening, the Gunners beat Crystal Palace 5-1 but their title hopes appeared to take a hit when Bukayo Saka went off injured.
Chelsea have been rather fortunate when it comes to key absences this season but that list appears to be growing with four defenders unavailable to face Everton. Sean Dyche's side have been very strong at home this season and backed up their clean sheet away at Arsenal last weekend by keeping another one against Chelsea.
Though it is well known that the Toffees rarely concede on their own patch, Slot was surprised at the outcome of Chelsea's latest game. “I didn’t expect Chelsea to drop points [vs Everton]," he admitted. "It can happen in any game and that’s why so many people want to watch the league and that’s why we play at Christmas time.”
The busy festive period sees most teams back in action on Boxing Day with another fixture then arriving this weekend. For Enzo Maresca's side, they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge before facing Ipswich at Portman Road next Monday evening.
Liverpool meanwhile, take on Leicester at Anfield before travelling south for a clash against West Ham. Ipswich are also set to face Arsenal between Christmas and the start of 2025 with Kieran McKenna's side making the trip to Emirates Stadium on Friday, December 28.
As their game is one day later than the home fixtures that await Chelsea and Liverpool, the Gunners do not play again until New Years Day as they face a tough test away at Brentford.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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