'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Blues came into the game unbeaten and a win would take Chelsea on top the table for the time being. Everton has improved under Marco Silva and produced an impressive performance against Brighton at home last time out.
Everton looked the better side in the initial exchanges with both Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman making strong runs down the fanks and providing quality crosses. Bernard came close to open the scoring, but his long-range shot was wide of the post.
Chelsea looked a bit fragile and conceded possession readily to Everton. The game didn't live up to the hype before the match with only one shot on target in the entire first half and both the teams had everything to play for in the second 45 minutes.
It was almost an instant impact after the break with Morata forcing Pickford into a brilliant save within seconds from the restart. The game had an end to end feel in the second half with Willian coming close to breaking the deadlock. Chelsea had numerous chances to go ahead in the game but couldn't find the back of the net on any occasion. The Blues' unbeaten run continues but they dropped two points.
Here are the three takeaways from the game.
#3 Defensive solidity of Everton
Marco Silva would be delighted the way his team defended against Chelsea today. In the first half, Everton had few chances of their own, but whenever they were out of space, the players immediately got back into their position and denied any clear opportunity to the Londoners.
The second half was a bit different with Chelsea being relatively the better side and coming close on numerous occasions, but Everton held their guard and defended brilliantly against any danger posed by Maurizio Sarri's side.
#2 Improved second half performance by Chelsea
Chelsea had an added incentive coming into the game with a possibility of going top of the league by the end of the weekend. However, from the outset, it didn't look like they played with any motivation. It was all low and slow for Maurizio Sarri's side as they failed to make any penetration inside the Everton penalty box with one shot on target in the entire half.
The halftime team talk must have done wonders for the players as they came out all guns blazing with Pickford pulling off an acrobatic save to deny Morata. The second half was all dominated by the Blues with Hazard running the show. Willian came close to score followed by a Marcus Alonso's low drive shot which hit the outside of the post.
Despite all the chances they created in the second half, it was not enough to win the game, but Sarri would be delighted with the way his team performed in the second half.
#1 Record breaker Maurizio Sarri
Maurizio Sarri has completely changed the way football is played at Stamford Bridge over the years. Chelsea was a team built on a defensive foundation and relied on individual brilliance to win a game. However, the Italian has instilled an attacking mindset among the payers who now play a more passing and pressing game than what they were used to before.
It's always difficult for any new manager to adjust to the life in the Premier League but Sarri has made Stamford Bridge his home right from the word go. He has now become the first manager to remain unbeaten in first twelve games in the Premier League.
Even if Chelsea don't manage to win the league, a top three finish will be considered as successful season given the quality of football played and the reputation that Sarri has built among the Stamford Bridge faithful.
