Everton anaesthetized another title contender! This time, Chelsea played the role of Arsenal from the previous Premier League round, as the Toffees managed to hold out to a goalless draw, allowing the Blues only a few chances to score. In the end, Nicolas Jackson was “a man to blame” for the result, as the Senegalese wasted two best opportunities Chelsea created.The Toffees had several attempts over Orel Mangala and Illiman Ndiaye, but regardless of their failure to score, they’ll be more than happy with a point they snatched – 0-0.Chelsea are held by Everton and miss their chance to go above Liverpool top of the Premier League ⛔️#EVECHE pic.twitter.com/ShPBh5P9Uy— Premier League (@premierleague) December 22, 2024 Everton’s defensive tactics proved pretty effective during the first half, given that Chelsea barely managed to create a few goal-scoring chances, both over Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese was first stopped by Jordan Pickford, attempting from close range in the 26th minute, and then, five minutes later, his header crashed against the post after a corner.The closest we have come was when Nicolas Jackson it’s the post. pic.twitter.com/OZvWMIjJ4J— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) December 22, 2024 Even though Sean Dyche’s team did not mind too much about scoring, Everton still had one decent attempt through Orel Mangala, whose long-distance effort Robert Sanchez deflected wide off the post.(Un)expected! Chelsea boss opens up about Mudryk’s doping banNevertheless, surprisingly, the Toffees opened the second period with a colossal chance, from which Sanchez once again emerged like a hero, stopping Jack Harrison superbly. Midway through the second 45 minutes, Cole Palmer took a free kick from an ideal position (around 20 meters), but his attempt was rather disappointing.The home team wasted their biggest chance 14 minutes before the end when Iliman Ndiaye found himself in front of the empty net but Tosin Adarabioyo saved the Blues with a terrific sliding tackle.Iliman Ndiaye with a gilt-edged chance for Everton! Tosin Adarabioyo with a last gasp block!!! Justifying his shirt there, the defender! pic.twitter.com/X9i0YUaYIT— Bet Detector (@bet_detector) December 22, 2024 That situation marked the ultimate notable moment of the game, which was – truth be told – quite dull, but as Niccolo Machiavelli allegedly said, the end justifies the means. Today, Dyche was Machiavelli and it paid him off.Even though Enzo Maresca often claimed that his team was not a title contender, they must have expected a victory at Goodison Park and the continuation of the race with Liverpool and Arsenal. The Blues are still second, but in a more difficult situation, especially if Liverpool beat Tottenham later today (19.30).ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 17SaturdayAston Villa – Man.City 2-1 (1-0)/Duran 16, Rogers 68 – Foden 90+3/Brentford – Nott.Forest 0-2 (0-1)/Aina 38, Elanga 51/Ipswich – Newcastle 0-4 (0-3)/Isak 1, 45+2, 54, Murphy 32/West Ham – Brighton 1-1 (0-0)/Kudus 57 – Wieffer 51/Crystal Palace – Arsenal 1-5 (1-3)/Sarr 11 – Jesus 6, 15, Havertz 38, Martinelli 60, Rice 84/SundayEverton – Chelsea 0-0Fulham – Southampton 0-0Leicester – Wolverhampton 0-3 (0-3)/Guedes 20, Gomes R. 36, Cunha 44/Man.Utd. – Bournemouth 0-3 (0-1)/Huijsen 29, Kluivert 61 pen, Semenyo 63/19:30: (4.10) Tottenham (4.40) Liverpool (1.80)***odds are subject to change***
