Everton’s horrific record at Stamford Bridge was extended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.
David Moyes’ side were unable to show much attacking quality as the hosts showed a clinical side after their own recent struggles.
It was a game that felt doomed from the very early stages after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was withdrawn through injury.
Everton will now be without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who are both jetting off for the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming days.
Not many will have expected Everton to pick up a win at the Bridge, but more players being added to Moyes’ unavailable pile is far from what is needed.
A day to forget for the Blues, with Arsenal making the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium next.
Who was your most disappointing player in Everton’s loss to Chelsea? 😫
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Jordan Pickford – 6
Did not stand much of a chance with either of the two goals and pulled off a stunning save to prevent Reece James from a free kick.
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Jake O’Brien – 3
It was an afternoon that Jake O’Brien will not want to remember in a hurry. Caught out numerous times defensively and lacking real quality in attack.
During the week, it was suggested that Everton wanted to sign a new right-back in January. That will not have changed following the loss on Saturday.
James Tarkowski – 5
Made a couple of really important blocks to prevent the scoring from being even higher. However, it was a defensive showing to forget for Everton.
Michael Keane – 4
Did not show a great deal of quality on the ball and was caught out early in the second half by Joao Pedro.
Vitalii Mykolenko – 3
Caught sleeping for the opening goal by Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto caused Vitalii Mykolenko a real headache for the second.
Everton must add some quality at full-back over the January window.
James Garner – 6
James Garner is one booking away from a one-game suspension, but he showed plenty of energy in the middle of the pitch.
His efforts did not count for much, with Moyes withdrawing him to prevent another suspension.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 4
Following his suspension, Idrissa Gana Gueye came back into Everton’s starting XI, but he was part of the collective switch-off for the opening goal.
Iliman Ndiaye – 5
Faded as the game developed until cracking the post in the final minutes after switching flanks. Going to be a huge miss for Moyes.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A
If there was one player that Everton fans will have wanted to see remain fit, it would have been Dewsbury-Hall.
There could not have been a worse start to the game! 😫
How are Everton going to manage without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall withdrawn through injury in Chelsea vs Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC.
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What a blow this may prove to be!
Jack Grealish – 6
Saw a second half header tipped over the bar and offered Everton with an opportunity in the first half, but was not able to get things going for the Toffees.
Jack Grealish certainly showed plenty of intent, but the finishing touch was just not quite there.
Thierno Barry – 5
So unfortunate to see Robert Sanchez deflect an incoming cross for what would have been an open goal for Thierno Barry.
Otherwise, the Frenchman had very little else to feed off.
Substitutes
Carlos Alcaraz – 5
Whipped in a good cross to Grealish in the second half and was constantly chasing after the ball
He did almost give away a goal with a horrific back pass in the first half, though.
Beto – 5
Replaced Barry but Beto endured the same lack of service.
Tyler Dibling – N/A
Tim Iroegbunam – N/A
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