Chelsea suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park as Richarlison headed the home side into the lead after just five minutes before Dominic Calvert-Lewin pounced on a mistake by Kurt Zouma to make it 2-0.
Mateo Kovacic pulled a goal back with a precise volley but a dreadful pass from Kepa Arrizabalaga allowed Calvert-Lewin to make the game safe and earn a first win for caretaker Toffees boss Duncan Ferguson.
Player ratings:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5
Continued his poor run of form after another substandard performance against Everton, had no chance with Richarlison’s header and left stranded for Calvert-Lewin’s effort. His poor pass straight to Walcott led to Everton’s third goal. Lampard will be really concerned about Chelsea’s record signing after this performance.
Reece James – 6
Keen to get forward and join the attack at every opportunity, linking well with Willian down the right flank but his final delivery wasn’t as good as we come to expect from the 19-year-old in recent games. Kept tabs on Alex Iwobi before being subbed late in the game as Chelsea searched for the equalizer.
Kurt Zouma – 5
Was all over the place for Everton’s second as he failed to properly clear the ball and then when it came back in, he simply hoofed it up in the air and the comedic goal was finally tucked in by Calvert-Lewin after it bounced kindly off Zouma’s chest into the path of the Englishman. Looked uncomfortable playing out from the back and was exposed by Everton.
Andreas Christensen – 5
Handed another start over Fikayo Tomori and was solid enough, bringing the ball out of attack well. Couldn’t get tight enough on Richarlison for the opener and was unlucky as Zouma got in a tangle for the second. Will be lucky to keep his place in the side with Rudiger due to come back from injury.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Started as the left-back once again with Lampard not keen on Emerson or Alonso. Did nothing to justify his selection. He got into promising positions throughout the game but didn’t make the most of it. Poor positioning led to Everton’s first goal as he failed to track Sidibe.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
Easily Chelsea’s best player and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Magnificent in his retention of possession, showing brilliant power to hold off opponents and recycle the ball for his team. Showed a good range of passing and bagged his second goal for the Blues with a fine placed volley.
Mason Mount -6
He was crowded out a number of times by the Everton defenders and had two big chances but failed to convert. Looked frustrated and was lucky not to be taken off by Lampard.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Looked good on the ball and was always the man looking to make a turn, get into the box and test Pickford. He was frustrated by Sidibe as he was tasked with fouling the American and did a very good job.
Willian – 7
Looked threatening whenever he was on the ball but was often let down by his end product which summed up his career in Chelsea blue. He tried to overplay at times instead of just going for a goal. Came off in the second half
Tammy Abraham – 6
Held the ball up well and played in his team-mates but couldn’t get a clear sight of goal as Everton swarmed around the England international.
