Everton vs Chelsea: 5 Key Talking Points
Chelsea were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Goodison Park by a resurgent Everton side who are currently enjoying life under Sam Allardyce in the Premier League. The Blues dominated the proceedings from the kick-off and were unlucky not to find the back of the net due to the discipline shown by the hosts behind the ball.
Antonio Conte's men applied ample pressure throughout the game but the efforts of Jordan Pickford in goal and a couple of last-ditch clearances from Phil Jagielka ensured that the scoreline remained the same at the end of the first half.
The visitors continued to dominate possession but Everton managed to put bodies behind the ball and made it hard for Chelsea to find an opening. The result means that Everton head into Christmas in great spirits after climbing to 9th position in the table while Chelsea failed to pile the pressure on Manchester United, remaining in the 3rd spot.
Let's take a closer look at the five key talking points from the stalemate at Goodison Park:
#5 Chelsea are victims of their infamous strategy
Chelsea are not in the driving seat of the 'bus' anymore under Antonio Conte, but it is a strategy that was implemented by the club in the past, most notably under Jose Mourinho, and they tasted the frustration of being at the receiving end of it against Everton on the night.
The Blues enjoyed 68% of the possession and had as many as 25 attempts in what was a frustrating evening of football for their attackers. Everton were comfortable in sitting back and absorbing the pressure throughout the game and managed to safeguard their interests by putting bodies behind the ball.
The fact that Everton did not register a single shot on target during the game can be used as the best possible explanation for their approach to this fixture against the defending champions, who were once touted to be the masters of the same strategy under their former manager.