A rainy, dull, and windy day graced the final trip to face Everton at Goodison Park for Chelsea.
And it saw both teams struggle to make a breakthrough, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline.
This draw prevented Chelsea from climbing to the top of the league, albeit even for a few hours, but they will sit in second on Christmas day – their highest festive league position since 2021.
Chelsea should target a centre-back in January
While Chelsea managed to keep a clean sheet today, the defensive duo of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill, though solid, faced limited challenges. Enzo Maresca’s first-choice partner for Colwill, Wesley Fofana, is reportedly out for the long term, and third-choice Benoît Badiashile is also unavailable.
In today’s match, Axel Disasi was shifted to a right-back role, though he functioned more as a right-sided centre-back during build-up play. It was evident, however, that he struggles in wider defensive spaces. Reinforcing the defence with a versatile centre-back in January seems essential, particularly with the top choices being out.
Chelsea need to be more threatening from set pieces
Chelsea won five corners and 20 fouls, many in dangerous areas, yet failed to capitalise. Both Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer struck the wall multiple times, wasting promising opportunities.
This season, Chelsea have scored just one goal from a corner – Disasi’s header against Southampton. A team once feared for its set-piece dominance must rekindle that threat, particularly in games like today, where scoring chances from open play were limited.
Marc Cucurella is key to Chelsea’s system
Marc Cucurella’s absence was undoubtedly felt. Suspended following his red card last weekend, his usual inverted full-back role fell to Malo Gusto, who seemed ill-suited to stepping into midfield. Cucurella excels in this role, often finding himself in the advanced left-sided 8 position, whereas Gusto is better suited to his natural right-back position, especially with his defensive qualities.
Additionally, the lack of overlapping runs today from the fullbacks was an issue. Disasi’s lack of natural full-back tendencies hindered fluid support on the right for Pedro Neto, while Jadon Sancho missed similar help on the left. Cucurella’s return will be vital for the team’s tactical balance.
Are low blocks Chelsea’s biggest enemy?
Breaking down low blocks has been a persistent issue for Chelsea, particularly last season. While recent performances, such as last weekend’s win against Brentford, suggest improvement, today’s game highlighted lingering challenges.
Everton didn’t consistently sit deep but defended compactly at key moments. Palmer, for instance, struggled to find space, limiting his creative influence. Despite Chelsea’s patient build-up and three big chances created, they failed to convert.
Some fans speculate that deploying Joao Félix and Palmer together could have unlocked the Everton defence. Statistically, however, Chelsea have shown gradual progress against defensive setups.
Everton 0-0 Chelsea reaction with Jam
“It’s was cold, it was windy, are you there?”
🎥 | @Carefree_Jam #CFCSocial | #CFC pic.twitter.com/rosIYu3CRq
— The Chelsea Social (@TheChelsSocial) December 22, 2024
Robert Sánchez to the rescue
Despite facing criticism since joining Chelsea, a game like today justifies Maresca’s faith in Robert Sanchez. A crucial first-half save to deny Jack Harrison at close range and another stop against Orel Mangala kept Chelsea in the game.
Sánchez has delivered key saves this season in matches against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa in particular. While his shot-stopping ability is undoubtedly strong, questions around his consistency remain.
Written by Abbie Jensen (@abbiiiieex)
Edited by Harrison Burridge (@hburridge2)
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