Chelsea 3 - 1 Everton - Match Report
Chelsea put in another strong performance to overcome Everton at Stamford Bridge, as they ran out 3-1 winners.
Chelsea put in another strong performance to overcome Everton at Stamford Bridge, as they ran out 3-1 winners. The Blues were efficient with possession - rather than throw wave after wave of attacks at the Toffees their moves were precise and effective. Goals from Daniel Sturridge, John Terry and Ramires helped Andre Villas-Boas team to victory. Apostolos Vellios got a consolation for the visitors who were second best for most of the game. Everton are usually something of a bogey team for Chelsea, the last time the Blues managed to beat the resilient Toffees was the FA Cup final back in 2009, and David Moyes side took four points from the two league meetings between the two last season. But Andre Villas-Boas has been biding his time, waiting for the Manchester clubs to slip up. With United dropping two points earlier in the day against Liverpool the Blues could move within a point of the Red Devils. With Chelseas 100% record at Stamford Bridge this season it was going to be a tough game for Everton. Averaging just a goal a game, they needed Louis Saha to start chipping in with the goals, it was a good time for him to start he has 5 in his last 6 games against the Blues. In addition to this Tim Cahill has yet to score in 2011. There were milestones aplenty for the Toffees Phil Jagielka made his 400th career appearance and his 150th for Everton. Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell made their 100th, with the latters suspension for a harsh red card in the Merseyside derby was rescinded so he was able to start in midfield. Johnny Heitinga was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench, and despite an ankle injury Tim Cahill started. Saha was the only recognised striker in a 4-5-1 formation. Fernando Torres was still serving a suspension so Didier Drogba started in the middle of a three-pronged attack which also featured Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata. Michael Essiens long term injury meant the midfielder still had to sit it out. David Luiz was rested after playing two games for Brazil during the week. The visitors took the game to Chelsea in the opening stages, it took some strong defending by Branislav Ivanovic to halt the energetic Tim Cahill, and were it not for a misjudged dummy by Leon Osman, Louis Saha could have been in. Mike Jones was called into action early on; he ignored Chelsea claims for a foul that probably would have seen Sylvain Distin walking when the Frenchman used his strength to send Ramires flying. The Brazilian had been played in by a head-on by Didier Drogba. Everton were then unable to capitalise on a good attacking move due to a miscalculation by Tim Cahill. The midfielder headed for goal from outside the area when he should have left it for the oncoming Seamus Coleman.John Obi Mikel was easily beaten by Louis Saha who cut inside before shooting at goal, but his effort trickled through to Petr Cech. Drogba managed to turn Jagielka as the defender was far too tight, he was eventually dispossessed by a sea of Everton shirts and smuggled away. Chelsea had controlled the game as you might expect with around 60% of possession, but had created few chances, a strong Everton back line was holding up so far. Only up until the half hour mark though when Chelsea took the lead through a Daniel Sturridge header. Juan Mata played a fantastic ball over the top to Ashley Cole who had left Coleman for dead. He then managed to cross from a tight angle to Daniel Sturridge who was waiting to nod it home. They made it two with the last touch of the half. Ashley Cole was brought down by Coleman, and from the ensuing free kick Frank Lampard managed to find the head of John Terry with a fantastic cross. Marouane Fellaini didnt even jump with the defender, and Tim Howard was left with no chance. Not a particularly inspiring half of football, but the second goal was vital for Chelsea as despite creating relatively little Everton were always on the cusp of getting back into the game at 1-0. There was no doubt the Blues were good value for their lead, they had certainly been the better side and now the scoreline showed this. HALF TIME Everton took the game straight to Chelsea in the second half and it was only the base of the post that denied Leon Osman who attempted to bend it into the corner from the edge of the area. Drogba wasnt having one of his better days, he couldnt control a Daniel Sturridge pass after the Blues had strung together a lovely passing move. Osman was again reduced to shooting from range, but this time his effort wasnt even close. Chelsea were winning every tackle on the edge of their own area, making it hard for the Toffees to stage an attack. It was effectively all over on the hour mark as Juan Mata latched onto a Didier Drogba pass to fire a cross/shot across goal. Ramires had an easy finish from just inside the 6 yard box reward for working so hard to get himself into the position. He was replaced moments later though for a suspected knee injury. Daniel Sturridge was booked for diving after he went down under a supposed Royston Drenthe challenge, but the Dutchman didnt touch him well spotted by Jones. A good move from Chelsea came to an end when Jagielka headed away well to stop a Sturridge cross that was destined for Drogbas head. The Blues were in complete control. Everton did get a consolation - Apostolos Vellios, who had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds, scored with his first touch. Royston Drenthe played in the cross and the 19-year-old managed to get goal side of John Terry to knock it past Cech. The Greek youngster is looking a very promising asset indeed, and it was a deserved goal for Everton. Chelsea reverted back to their control of the game though, continuing their dominant passing game to deny the visitors a chance to make the Blues sweat for the final few minutes. Referee: Mike Jones Chelsea (4-3-3) Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires (Malouda, 65), Mikel (Romeu, 77), Lampard, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata (Anelka, 77) Everton (4-5-1) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Cahill (Neville, 72), Coleman (Drenthe, 61), Fellaini, Rodwell, Saha (Vellios, 80)