Chelsea have just completed a really effective and efficient 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were not too impressive in attack, but they struck through Cole Palmer midway through the first half, then added a second just before the break with a vicious counter attack as the Toffees tried to equalise.
Apart from that there wasn’t a huge amount of attacking play from the Blues, and they leant on their defence in the second half to get the job done. Both Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah were great, showing off their ever improving partnership at the back, but we thought academy product Chalobah was the star of the show.
Chalobah’s superb stats as solid season goes on
Trevoh Chalobah holds off Illiman Ndiaye.
Trevoh Chalobah holds off Illiman Ndiaye. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The academy product had some great numbers in the game. He had a total of 14 defensive contributions, including 4 tackles, a block, 3 recovering, 9 clearances and 5 headed clearances.
He capped it all off with a huge block in the 89th minute which prevented Everton getting back into the game and making extra time a lot more challenging for the Blues. He won 4 of his 6 ground duels and his only aerial duel.
On the ball he was as reliable as ever – he completed 66 of his 67 passes and his 83 touches were second only to Fofana of anyone on the pitch. We look so much more solid with this pair in place, and Chalobah has continued his slow and steady progress to one of the most reliable defenders in the league this season.
In other news…
Cole Palmer opened the scoring with a lovely run and finish after being picked out by Gusto. The game had been pretty pedestrian until that point.
In the buildup to today’s game, Alejandro Garnacho talked about his role in the squad and the rotation that manager Enzo Maresca loves to indulge in.
More Stories about Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah speaks after Chelsea's defeat to Atalanta.
Trevoh Chalobah speaks after Chelsea's defeat to Atalanta.
Enzo Maresca looks dejected on the touchline.