The pattern of play emerged very early on, with Chelsea retaining the vast majority of possession and Everton holding back with ten men in the penalty area.

Everton’s game plan was greatly aided by the conditions, which were particularly terrible at the start of the game: gale force winds and falling rain. Sean Dyche couldn’t have imagined it better. The recent Merseyside derby was canceled for less money.

Chelsea eventually got the better of the hosts on a couple of occasions but couldn’t quite make the most of the result as Pickford made a brilliant save to deny Jackson’s chance and the striker also hit the post from a corner. Malo Gusto had chances on the rebound in both cases, but couldn’t find the goal either.

Everton had a shot on goal after losing the ball in midfield, but Sánchez saved the necessary chance.

And that’s how the second half began, with Sánchez making an excellent stop to keep the game goalless before Chelsea got back into the game after a slower start to the quarter.

But similar to the first half, we were unable to beat the opponent, who now had a little more leeway. And only a great block from Tosin Adarabioyo ensured that the game remained goalless at the start of the final quarter of an hour.

Unfortunately, this last quarter of an hour brought neither the necessary quality nor the necessary luck to find a winner.

Carefree.

• Defensive reshuffle due to injuries and suspensions, with Gusto on the left and Disasi on the right
• For the first time since the opening day defeat against Manchester City we didn’t score a goal in a league game
• Winning streak ends at 8; Time to start a new one!
• Everton’s fourth 0-0 draw in their last six games
• Chelsea remain second, one point behind Liverpool, who play next, away at Spurs (and will still have a game in hand after that)
• Next up: Fulham at home on Boxing Day
• KTBFFH

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