Everton 3-1 Chelsea
He’s an Everton legend as a player, and now he’s become a saviour on the touchline as Duncan Ferguson guided Everton to a win over Chelsea on his first start as a Premier League manager.
The Toffees came into the game on the back of a 5-2 derby day thumping and that saw the end of former head coach Marco Silva as his expensively assembled group of players plummeted into the bottom three. But they started this game looking like a different team, going ahead with just five minutes on the clock, and as Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped himself to a brace they eventually bagged a vital three points.
Chelsea started with the same team which beat Aston Villa in midweek. They have missed top scorer Tammy Abraham in recent games and his return gave the Blues a bigger threat, but despite dominating possession the Blues were toothless in front of goal.
Highlights of the game
It was the big Premier League 2019 news of the week and, following the sacking of Marco Silva, fans’ favourite Duncan Ferguson stepped up to guide the Toffees into the festive period. And he had a dream start as his team went ahead with a well worked goal. Richarlison surged forward and spread the ball out wide to Djibril Sidibe and when the wing back sent the perfect cross back into the middle, the Brazilian marksman was there to nod the ball past Kepa and into the corner of the net.
And Everton’s top scorer was close to making it two, on 11 minutes, when Theo Walcott curled in a cross but he was inches away from getting a touch. Dominic Calvert–Lewin had a good chance when Walcott played him in, but he shot too close to Kepa.
The Goodison Park fans had their hearts in their mouths when centre back Michael Keane and keeper Jordan Pickford’s poor communication gifted Willian the ball, but the Everton defence recovered before Chelsea could fashion an opening. The visitors began to dominate the ball and had a first clear opening, on 26 minutes, when Abraham glanced a Willian cross narrowly wide.
Christian Pulisic almost gave Willian a tap-in but Everton defender Lucas Digne just beat him to the ball to clear, and as the Toffees prayed for the half time whistle Abraham was so close to sliding in for an equaliser.
If Everton were glad to get to half time, they were over the moon to get the second half started in the same way they did the first, but this time with the help of some catastrophic Chelsea defending. Kurt Zouma tried to control the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and Calvert-Lewin nicked the ball off him and slotted it through Kepa’s legs.
Goodison Park exploded, but Chelsea weren’t yet beaten; and they hit back on 52 minutes with a beauty. Lucas Digne cleared a cross, but when the ball landed at the feet of Mateo Kovacic, he volleyed sweetly into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Kovacic had another pot shot from 25 yards but this time it flew narrowly over the angle of post and crossbar, and then Mason Mount had a glorious chance to level but, with the goal gaping, he smashed his shot wide.
As Chelsea knocked on the door Cesar Azpilicueta crossed and Mount volleyed, but this time Mason Holgate got in the way with a brave block. And he got a double reward just moments later when his side restored its two goal lead. Once again it was crazy defending as Kepa passed the ball straight to Walcott, and when his cross eventually fell free to Calvert-Lewin, the striker poked home his second goal to spark wild celebrations on the touchline.
Key statistics
The Toffees made it to half time with a lead, though they were hanging on as Chelsea had 75 per cent of possession. But while their strikers came close to getting vital touches, Lampard’s Blues only managed four shots, the same as their hosts.
As the second half exploded into life the pattern continued; by full time Chelsea still had 70 per cent possession, but only had four shots on target to Everton’s seven.
This was a massive result for Everton, and only the third time they have won in 33 games against teams starting in the top four.
What’s next?
Yesterday Chelsea received the welcome news that their transfer ban has been halved and they will be able to sign new players from January. Lampard’s young side has done well so far, but he may well dip into the market after this showing.
In the meantime they have two home games; firstly they welcome Lille to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League tie, before entertaining Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth in the Premier League next Saturday.
Everton’s difficult run continues as they make the short journey to Old Trafford to face Manchester United next week, with fixtures against Leicester City and Arsenal to follow.
There’ll be renewed optimism at Goodison Park now and we could see some sparks. So make sure to keep it here at SBOBET for all the very latest news and highlights and the best range of Premier League 2019 betting odds.
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