The Chelsea boss said he was happy with his side's draw at Goodison Park even though it ended a run of eight consecutive wins across all competitions
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca heaped praise on Everton as he spoke of his happiness with his side’s draw at Goodison Park.
The Chelsea boss brought his team to Merseyside in rich form as they sought to stay within the grasp of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
But Everton blunted one of the league’s most ruthless attacks to earn a valuable point in a goalless draw they could have snatched three points from had they converted either of the two best chances of the second half.
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After the game Maresca said he did not see the result as a missed opportunity, highlighting Everton’s clean sheet record and adding that he had been “worried” about the match. Even amid the difficult battles of recent seasons the Blues have held a good record against Chelsea.
He explained: “I am absolutely happy. I just said to the players that I am more happy today than the Brentford game [Chelsea’s previous league game had been a 2-1 home win over Brentford]. The reason why is because I was quite worried about this game. It is a tricky game, a tricky stadium, a tricky team.
“They are defensively top, they are one of the five best teams in Europe in terms of clean sheets, so you struggle to create chances. It was not an easy game and you have to deal and you have to learn to play different games - long ball, second ball, set pieces, it is not just about how good we can play on the ball, it is also how you defend and deal with that.
"I am very proud and, as I said, I am more happy today than the Brentford game. We prepare to try to win every game but sometimes there is another team there that has also done the same, so we are happy.”