Chelsea were able to put their poor run of form behind them and secured a huge three points in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s men had previously failed to win their last four games, but got back on track with their first victory of the festive period.
On his return to action at Stamford Bridge, it took Cole Palmer just 21 minutes before he found the back of the net. Teed up by Malo Gusto, the England star made a well-timed run between the Everton centre-back and left-back before firing past international teammate Jordan Pickford.
Gusto got in on the action himself just moments before half-time to double Chelsea’s lead. The Frenchman finished off a clinical counterattack from the Blues, with Pedro Neto putting the ball on a plate in the penalty area. Gusto obliged and doubled their lead.
Gusto
It was a professional performance from the West Londoners, who saw off the Toffees in a controlled manner. Chelsea dominated the ball, with 58% possession, and had 17 shots, five of which found the target.
As well as the Blues played, there were a couple of players who struggled, however. Alejandro Garnacho was one of those.
Garnacho’s game in numbers vs Everton
Since his summer move from Manchester United, things have been up and down for Garnacho in a Chelsea shirt. The Argentina international has only managed two goals and two assists in 16 appearances for the London outfit.
Garnacho
Well, his performance against Everton was certainly one of his more disappointing ones for Chelsea.
The 21-year-old had three huge chances to give Maresca’s side a comfortable lead, but squandered them. That included this opportunity in the first half.
Indeed, his stats from the game show just how poor he was against David Moyes’ side. Aside from the three big chances he missed, Garnacho lost the ball seven times and failed to win either of his attempted duels.
His showing against the Toffees was enough to earn him a rating of just 6/10 from Goal journalist Richie Mills. He explained that the Chelsea 49 can take on a defender well in one-vs-one scenarios, but 'his shooting needs work'.
A Garnacho
As disappointing as Garnacho was on Saturday afternoon, there was a Chelsea attacker who was worse.
Chelsea’s most disappointing player vs. Everton
It was certainly a tough day at the office for another Blues summer signing, Joao Pedro.
The Chelsea number 20 led the line in Liam Delap’s absence, but was isolated and struggled to have any sort of impact on the game.
Joao Pedro
That was perhaps personified in his stats at full-time. The Brazilian had just 37 touches, fewer than Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s 48.
He lost the ball ten times, could only manage one shot on goal and won just seven out of 17 duels.
Joao Pedro vs. Everton
Stat
Touches
Number of times ball lost
Passes completed
Duels won
Chances created
Shots
Expected goals
Stats from Sofascore
Indeed, his poor showing up front stood out to Mills, who gave him a lower rating than Garnacho, a 5/10. The journalist said Pedro is 'going through a difficult spell' at the moment and 'things are not falling into place for him' like they did at the beginning of his Blues career.
It might well be the case that Maresca decides to drop Pedro from the side ahead of Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League, away to Newcastle United next weekend. That will be a tough assignment for the Brazilian, coming up against the in-form Malick Thiaw.
joao-pedro-chelsea
There are options for Maresca, too, even with Delap sidelined. Pedro Neto has played up front at times this season, doing so against Barcelona in the Champions League. He could also play youngster Marc Guiu from the start.
Chelsea travel to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup next midweek, which could give the Spaniard an opportunity to stake his claim in the league if he gets the nod in the Welsh capital.
Either way, it would not be a surprise to see Pedro out of the side following his poor performance against Everton.
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