Everton vs Chelsea: Frank Lampard’s side record a massive victory to boost their survival hopes

With Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur hot on their heels, there is still work left to be done for Tuchel’s side to secure Champions League football for next season.

Frank Lampard in a file photo; Credit: Twitter@premierleague
By Karthik Raman | May 1, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Everton registered a crucial victory in their fight to stay in the Premier League for another season. The Blues defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Goodison Park to keep their hopes alive of surviving the relegation battle. The defeat ended Chelsea’s 14 games unbeaten run away from Stamford Bridge. The game saw Thomas Tuchel’s side thoroughly dominate the possession but chances were limited. It eventually needed a mistake for the goal to arrive and that error came in the form of Cesar Azpilicueta at the start of the second half, which allowed Richarlison to score the only goal of the match. Chelsea did have chances to get the equaliser, with Mason Mount’s shot hitting both posts and Jordan Pickford denying Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Top four still not secured for Chelsea

The disappointing result means Chelsea’s top-four place is still not secured. The Blues have 66 points from 34 games. With Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur hot on their heels, there is still work left to be done for Tuchel’s side to secure Champions League football for next season. On the other hand, it is a massive victory for the home side. With Burnley beating Watford on Saturday, Everton needed all three points to keep their survival hopes intact. They got it in the form of Richarlison’s goal at the beginning of the second half. The 18th-placed Toffees have 32 points from 33 games. They are two points behind Leeds United and Burnley, who are both on 34 points from 34 games. However, Frank Lampard’s have a game in hand which could give them a chance to climb out of the top three places.

A cautious first half

The first half was a tightly-contested battle with very less to separate both sides. Both teams had their own targets to fight for, hence it was not surprising to see a cautious opening 45 minutes. However, the game came to life at the start of the second period. Tuchel had brought on Mateo Kovacic at the start of the second half in place of Jorginho. Even before the new midfield could settle down, Azpilicueta’s error allowed the home side to take the lead.

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Everton capitalise on Chelsea’s mistake

When the ball was played across the backline, the Chelsea full-back allowed it to run across him. However, Everton centre-forward Richarlison swooped in and got a boot to the ball. Demarai Gray then helped it back to the Brazilian striker, who scored the opener of the evening. It was a massive goal in the context of the Everton season. Soon the lead could have been doubled, however, Vitalii Mykolenko shot wide from a good position. From there on, the visitors started to amplify the pressure on the home team for an equaliser.

Chelsea miss big chances

Mason Mount struck a well-timed shot from a cross that hit the inside of both posts before coming out again. From that point on, it was Jordan Pickford’s show. Azpilicueta had latched on to the follow-up with a neat strike but the English goalkeeper got back across his line to keep it out. Soon, Pickford denied Rudiger from point-blank range when the shot smashed into his face. It is still not clear how Chelsea failed to score an equaliser from those glorious opportunities. Everton’s defence then stood tall and held out for a crucial win to keep their hopes of staying alive in the Premier League.





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