Chelsea Held to Goalless Draw at Everton, Title Hopes Hurt

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca criticized his side’s lack of clinical finishing after they drew 0-0 at Everton which gave a significant boost to Premier League leaders Liverpool. Chelsea failed to break down a resolute Everton defense and despite creating several chances, they could not find the net. Jordan Pickford denied a Nicolas Jackson effort and the striker later hit the post with a header from close range. Everton’s best first-half chance came from Orel Mangala, who saw his strike saved by Robert Sanchez.

Maresca acknowledged Everton’s defensive quality, highlighting their clean sheet record, and emphasized the need for clinical finishing in such tight matches. In the second half, Jack Harrison squandered an opportunity for Everton and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer struggled to make an impact, sending his early shot wide. Jackson also missed a free header and Pedro Neto’s long-range effort was easy for Pickford to save.

The draw ended Chelsea’s eight-game winning streak, damaging their Premier League title hopes. However, Maresca stayed optimistic expressing greater satisfaction with the point compared to the previous draw against Brentford given the challenge of the match. Everton under Sean Dyche remained resolute defensively, securing their seventh clean sheet of the season. The Toffees, who had recently completed a takeover, delivered a solid performance backing up their goalless draw at Arsenal.

Dyche praised the team’s resilience but acknowledged they must start winning more games as they have only secured three victories in 16 league matches. Despite their defensive solidity, Everton missed chances to win with Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye failing to score. The point moved them further from the relegation zone ahead of a tough trip to Manchester City.