Everton Stun Chelsea to Boost Survival Chances

Ayomikun Elemikan

Everton beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon to boost their hopes of surviving relegation this season.

Richarlison was the match-winner in what proved to be a frustrating match for Thomas Tuchel and his charges.

The first half played out to be filled with physical aggression and no clear-cut chances.

The opening 15 minutes of the encounter saw Chelsea have 70℅ of the possession of the ball.

Everton paraded the likes of Richarlison and Demarai Gray up front to trouble the Chelsea defence but aside from a few crosses into the box, which were dealt with by the Blues defenders, the Toffees couldn’t create much.

Youngster Anthony Gordon indeed had a shot in the 33rd minute but it was off target.

As tensions continued to grow, referee Kevin Friend had to caution the players. Seamus Coleman and Cesar Azpilicueta, captains of Everton and Chelsea respectively, even had to be cautioned after both players had an altercation.

The deadlock was broken a few seconds into the second half after Azpilicueta made a costly error to hand Brazilian forward Richarlison a golden chance to convert the ball.

A few moments later, Mykolenko had a glorious chance to extend Everton’s lead but blasted wide.

Chelsea continued to pour forward and almost equalised after Mason Mount’s shot hit both sides of the post with Azpilicueta’s follow-up brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford.

Tuchel sent on Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic but the away side could still not break down Everton’s defense.

There were further chances for Gray and Gordon to double the home side’s advantage but both failed to hit the target.

With the victory, Frank Lampard’s men now move to within two points of Burnley in 16th and Leeds in 17th, with a game in hand.

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