Chelsea have unintentionally given their former manager and legend a lifeline to stay in the Premier League. A goal from Richarlison separated the tie, and Everton lived to fight for another day in their relegation battle.
With Fireworks, Flares and pure energy, Everton gave it their absolute all against the reigning Champions of the World. I cannot begin to express just how tough the Toffees made it for the Blues since last night's arrival on the Merseyside.
Thomas Tuchel and the team expected a tough matchup but nothing compared to the display and resistance set up by the home fans and Frank Lampard's side.
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Fireworks and Flares.
A little bit of a disturbance for the Chelsea players shouldn't hurt. It started off with fireworks going off outside the hotel that Chelsea had stayed in the night before the game.
When asked about the disturbance prior to the game, Thomas Tuchel was adamant that it had no "impact" on the Blues despite players such as Jorginho being woken up by the noise. You'd expect fans to deploy all tactics possible at their discretion to protect their team's stay in Premier League. Quite frankly, I'm sure Chelsea fans would have done something similar.
The disturbance may have not held the players hostage to a sleepless night, but it contributed to the entire atmosphere as a whole. Everton fans in their masses greeted both teams before the match. Their Blue flares and chants in support would have shaken up the tension.
The stadium was also full of loud fans and blue flares in support of the Toffees. It's a hostile environment to play in, even if you are the Champions of the World. Considering the calibre of Chelsea's last 3 Premier League games, their confidence was already at a low.
Richarlison's Goal.
The Brazilian's goal summed up Chelsea's overall impression. A lazy attempt to clear the ball caught Cesar Azpilicueta out as Richarlison pressured the Spaniard before stealing the ball and slotting it into the back of Edouard Mendy's net.
A brutal goal that confirmed what many Chelsea fans were thinking. Azpilicueta has had a number of below standard games recently, and his mistake once again cost us the tie. It's disappointing to watch as he has been such an amazing player for Chelsea. You could see the disappointment in his face as he was substituted off for Christian Pulisic in the 68th minute.
Once the goal had been registered, it was difficult to see a way back for Chelsea. A couple of missed chances set Everton into a defensive masterclass for the rest of the game. Thomas Tuchel bough on game changes, Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech, but it just was not enough.
What does this mean?
Chelsea needs to snap out of this phase very quickly. Since last winning the league in 2017, every season has been a last-minute scrap for the top 4 despite our initial position. With Antonio Conte's Tottenham winning 3-1 against Leicester, only 3 points separate the Blues from 3rd and 4th. If Arsenal beats West Ham, they will also be level on points with Tottenham, meaning that this top 4 battle could be worse than expected.
With the sanctions, new ownership and a flood of uncertainty creeping into the Chelsea camp, the players must do themselves a favour. The situation has become critical for Tuchel and his squad. They are yet to play Leeds and Watford, who, like Everton, are fighting for a way out of relegation. Let's see if we can hold on.
