Beto horrendous, Jarrad Branthwaite incredible – Everton player ratings v Chelsea
David Moyes’ incredible run of form took a hit at Stamford Bridge as Everton lost 1-0 to Chelsea.
Moyes has been a brilliant appointment since taking over from Sean Dyche, only losing to Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man City in 14 Premier League matches.
With relegation no longer a fear at Goodison Park, and nothing else left to play for in domestic competitions, there was nothing riding on the trip to London on Saturday, 26 April, other than pride.
It was quite a disappointing display from the Toffees, with Nicolas Jackson firing home the opener, and eventual winner, after just 27 minutes, and Moyes’ side never really showed much of a fight.
Jordan Pickford can’t save Everton at Stamford Bridge
Jordan Pickford – 6
Maybe could have done better for Jackson’s opener, but he made several key saves and expected more from the players in front of him, who failed to protect the goal.
Nathan Patterson (Off for Ashley Young 64′) – 6
In what was just his second start of the league campaign, it was a decent showing from the Scot. He dealt with Noni Madueke well, but all the work meant he needed to be replaced.
Jake O’Brien – 6
A decent replacement for the injured Everton veteran, James Tarkowski, but with the partnership not a strong, there were gaps left in the centre of defence.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 9 – Man of the Match
Dealt with the strength of Jackson very well, usually coming out on the correct side of all his duels and even made a goal-saving intervention from a Chelsea corner. No wonder Branthwaite is linked with an Everton exit.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Continued to make surging runs down the left flank and create chances. Unlucky to get his feet twisted when lining up a strike at the back post. Maybe unlucky not to get something from the referee in a crunching collision with Robert Sanchez.
James Garner – 7
Missed a couple of duels in the middle of the park but created plenty of chances in the closing stages, just not able to find the pinpoint final ball to draw Everton level.
Idrissa Gueye shines in midfield once again
Idrissa Gueye – 8
Moyes can always count on the Senegalese to get stuck into the game, never pulling out of a challenge and always putting his body on the line for a positive result. Saturday was no different.
Jack Harrison (Off for Dwight McNeil 64′) – 6
A decent display from the Leeds United loanee. Much like all of the forwards, there was a distinct lack of service, but his defensive display was just as important at Stamford Bridge.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5
A bit of an underwhelming display from the attacking midfielder, who was unable to be the connection between defence and attack through the middle of the park. Puts in too many displays like this to warrant a new deal at Everton.
Iliman Ndiaye (Off for Carlos Alcaraz 46′) – 2
Completed next to nothing in his 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge, touching the ball just a handful of times and was marked out of the game altogether.
Everton struggle in the final third during frustrating Chelsea loss
Beto (Off for Youssef Chermiti 64′) – 1
Horrendous afternoon for Beto. Limited service certainly did not help, but after being the reason for Chelsea’s opener, it was tough to give him anything else than a 1.
Substitutes
Carlos Alcaraz (On for Ndiaye 46′) – 6
Had some positive bursts of energy through the middle, but there were a couple of wasteful passes.
Youssef Chermiti (On for Beto 64′) – 3
Keeping Beto on might have been a better idea than bringing the 20-year-old on. While he was enthusiastic, he continued to be caught offside, which only added to frustrations.
Ashley Young (On for Patterson 64′) – 5
Struggled to have much of an impact. His lack of pace seemed to be a bit of a problem when going forward.
Dwight McNeil (On for Harrison 64′) – 7
Nearly had the telling touch at Stamford Bridge, seeing his effort well saved by Robert Sanchez.