Everton vs Chelsea: Five Key Talking Points

This was a crucial match for the Blues as they were looking to get their season back on track after an embarrassing start to their campaign but Everton came in this match with high confidence and the Stones saga had really set the stage for an entertaining match.

Here are the five key talking points from the game.

Super-Sub

For Everton, a super-sub by Roberto  Martinez and Steven Naismith was undoubtedly their best player on the field scoring hat-trick, after being brought on for Muhamed Besic early in the match. Minutes after he came, he headed in a goal from Galloway’s cross and then scored through low driven shot from 20 yards to make it 2-0. Eventually he completed his hat-trick in 2 half. For Chelsea, Nemanja Matic was the one who did his job well and his thunderous strike from 30 yards, which beat Howard was the only goal from the visitors. Matic did well to break the play alongside Mikel.

Sloppy Defense again by Blues

Blues defense was again the worrying point, struggling to keep the shape and defend with the authority like last season. Branislav Ivanovic is having his toughest time, though he went forward well but his first priority i.e. to defend, wasn’t up to the standard. Ivanovic, to some extent was guilty of the 1 two goals. Whereas for toffees, they had a great game but more was expected of their main man upfront, Romelu Lukaku. His performance wasn’t the worst but the chances and the positions he was in to, he could have done better under the circumstances.

Everton on top

Naismith brought on early and went on to score a hat-trick was the moment of the match. His first against Chelsea sealed the day for toffees. He though was lucky to stay on pitch, for kicking Ivanovic after ball went out of play. Chelsea had lots of possession but couldn’t create many chances with it although Matic’s strike form 30 yards was a breathtaking goal.

Facts and Formation

Chelsea played their 4-2-3-1 formation with Mikel and Matic guarding their back four. Everton played with the same formation, with Stones in the starting line-up. After the 3 defeat, Chelsea have already equaled the number of defeats from last season. And with 12 goals conceded already it’s the worst defensive record after 5 matches since 1964. Everton on the other hand has more points after 5 matches than they had last season.

Everton looks Strong, Woes for Champions

Everton who had tough starting fixtures has done well to cope with them, they look strong attacking wise and more settled defensively. Lukaku, Barkley, Kone combines well to create chances. Whereas for Chelsea, they’ll have to sort their defensive problems soon, Jose has got a lot to do. All his talk about improving the squad needs to show some result now.  We can expect better performance from their defenders in next match, hopefully a debut for Baba Rahman and few others. Changes will be made in next match.