Everton v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Everton v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Former Premier League star Danny Murphy believes referee Paul Tierney made the right call by not issuing a second yellow card for Morgan Rogers during Chelsea's win over Everton. He claims that the tackle was fair and both players went for the ball, without any intention of hurting the other.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy said that Rogers and James Garner had every right to battle for the ball and went into the tackle with just the ball in mind. He credited both of them for not trying to playact to get the other player booked or sent off in the case of the Chelsea man and said:
"No, it doesn’t [look great]. But I think that’s two honest lads going in with a really fair tackle, neither of them trying to stitch each other up by rolling around. We didn’t hear any screams when it happened, I think that’s credit to them. Also, we’re always quick to jump on the officials when they make mistakes…"
"I thought the refereeing of that game was really good from Paul Tierney and his team. That also helped the enjoyment of the game for us watching it and the crowd. We saw a tough, competitive game there and that was partly down to the good officiating so well done." (via Metro)
Talking about Chelsea, Murphy heaped praise on Xabi Alonso's side after they came off with a 2-0 win at Everton. He believes that they are improving as a team and are slowly solving their defensive issues. He said:
"They’re improving. It was a big thing getting a clean sheet, there had been a lot of talk about their defensive fragility and they will be pleased to have put that to bed today. I thought the wing-backs, Acheampong and Hato, were terrific, both of them. There was a composure about them in the second half. I thought they managed the game well and they’ve got strength in depth. That clean sheet will do the players at the back and the goalkeeper the world of good."
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table, with 13 points from seven matches.
What next for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso?
Chelsea have some tough fixtures coming up, with Tottenham and Manchester United in the Premier League, with a Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool in the middle. The Blues face Sunderland early next month, before the players split for the international break.
They are going to be without Emiliano Martinez for the matches, after the goalkeeper injured his jaw in the win over Everton. They are also without Reece James, who underwent knee surgery last week.