'%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)
Everton have had a resurrection of late under Sam Allardyce, slowing creeping up the Premier League table. On Saturday they hosted Chelsea at Goodison Park, with the current holders looking to keep pace with the two Manchester clubs and distance themselves from 4th. They played out a thoroughly entertaining 0-0 draw, wherein Everton were mostly on the back foot but held on.
Here we take a look at the 5 key talking points from the match.
#5: Tie Hazard down to a new contract
Let's start with the obvious, it is a joy to watch Hazard play. He was full of tricks throughout the match, leaving Everton defenders stranded in his wake.
The number of times he just dropped his shoulder and beat his man was too high and he made some really magical individual runs from deep, despite playing as the central false 9.
As is the case with Hazard, there were periods in the match where he was anonymous but that can be forgiven due to the packed festive schedule. He is quite possibly the most skillful player to watch in the English top flight and all Premier League fans will be hoping he signs the contract extension to keep him at Chelsea beyond the 2 and half years he currently has left.
#4: Everton will find it tough to replace Phil Jagielka
Everton captain Phil Jagielka is in the twilight of his career but his performances would make you think this is a man in his prime. The 35-year-old Englishman made two goal-line clearances in the first half in the space of 2 seconds, first from Bakayoko and then the rebound shot from Willian.
He kept Everton in the game and it wasn't just his goal-line heroics which stood out. He defended properly thoughout the game, playing the offside trap to deny Pedro on more than a few occasions. He also made Michael Keane look better, constantly barging instructions and directions in the young Englishman's ears.
#3: Everton will hope Idrissa Gueye is not out for long
To say that Idrissa Gueye has been important to Everton would be an understatement. The defensive midfielder has had 69 successful tackles in the league so far, the second highest in the league.
He was forced off with a hamstring injury just after half time and Everton fans will hope he returns swiftly. He brings balance to this Everton side and his industry and tireless running will be severely missed during the hectic festive period. His replacement in the match, Beni Baningime, was clearly a step down in quality and Everton look under-stocked in quality defensive midfielders.
#2: Michy Batshuayi will look to leave in January
This was the third match in a row in the Premier League in which Conte has gone with Hazard as a false 9 in the starting eleven instead of Michy Batshuayi. With the world cup coming soon, it makes sense for all parties involved that Batshuayi leaves the club as soon as possible.
Conte clearly does not trust him and he needs minutes under his belt. While Batshuayi has popped up with important goals throughout his stop-start Chelsea career, he is too young and skillful a player to be an impact sub. Chelsea will look to sign a player Conte trusts in the winter transfer window and it remains to be seen whether Batshuayi leaves on loan or Chelsea are able to recoup some of the $33 million they spent on the Belgian.
Chelsea desperately need adequate backup for Morata, someone Conte trusts; someone who can add to the quality in the squad and convert the numerous chances Chelsea carved out throughout the game to put matches to bed early.
#1: Chelsea's wing backs hold the key to a successful season
Chelsea had last year's successful wing back pairing of Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses back and they looked all the better for it. Chelsea looked threatening whenever they attacked through their wing backs and the sheer number of times they switched play to good effect was astounding.
Both Moses and Alonso whipped in cross after cross, many a times even switching play to each other. Their continued fitness and understanding will be crucial to any success Chelsea have this season and it is no wonder Conte wants reinforcements in the wing back positions in January. They are the two most important positions in Chelsea's lineup.
