Everton 1-0 Chelsea 2013: Highlights and reaction

Everton’s Scottish forward Steven Naismith (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammate Everton’s Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park

Chelsea missed the opportunity to go top of the table after a 1-0 defeat against Everton. It was a very disappointing defeat that saw Chelsea pass up many opportunities to score. Everton scored just on the stroke of half-time through Steven Naismith. The defeat once again confirms that Goodison Park remains a bogey ground for Chelsea.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry (c), Cole (Torres 68); Ramires, Mikel; Schurrle (Lampard 57), Mata (Oscar 57), Hazard; Eto’o

Everton (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka (c), Distin, Baines; Osman, Barry; Naismith (Stones 88), Barkley, Mirallas (Deulofeu 90+1); Jelavic (McCarthy 66)

Scorer: Naismith 45

Highlights:

Reaction:

There is no doubt that given the effort put in by the players, Chelsea deserved at least a draw. Still, fans could take some positives from the match. Samuel Eto’o was lively in his debut, while Juan Mata was also quite good as he started his first match since the 2-1 win over Aston Villa. It was surprising to see him substituted quite early on.

“If you don’t score a goal what you create means nothing. It is a simple story. We didn’t have killer instinct.” – Mourinho

It is never easy for top clubs to pick up the pace after an international break, and this match proved it. Chelsea will be hoping to return to winning ways when they take on FC Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday 18 Sep 2013.