By support

1st May, 2017 | 7:04pm

Midfielder not at the races: Three worst Everton players in loss v Chelsea

COMMENT By Dominic Toner

Everton suffered a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday and it means they are now likely to finish seventh in the Premier League this season.

The Toffees suffered just their second home defeat of the campaign as they were blown away by an impressive second-half display from the visitors.

Pedro, Gary Cahill and Willian scored as the Blues continued their steps towards the league title.
However, Ronald Koeman will be disappointed to see his side’s eight-game winning run at home come to an end.

Here, Football Insider analyses the three worst Everton players from the Chelsea defeat.

Maarten Stekelenburg

Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg endured a frustrating afternoon against Chelsea and failed to prove Ronald Koeman’s selection choice. The 34-year-old got the nod over Joel Robles and he looked uncomfortable against the Blues attack. He was sloppy at times in possession and certainly could have done better for Chelsea’s second goal. He spilled Eden Hazard’s free-kick straight into the path of Cahill to score and should be disappointed with his effort. Stekelenburg also struggled with a number of long-range shot, but nobody can blame him for missing Pedro’s fantastic striker. His performance underlined why Everton need to buy a new number one goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.

Ross Barkley

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley was not at the races at the weekend. The Toffees ace has been very inconsistent during the last few years and this was unfortunately one of his worse performances. The 23-year-old has looked positive at times this season, but against Chelsea failed to stamp his authority on the match. He played a slightly more disciplined role due to Morgan Schneiderlin’s absence and looked lost in the centre of the park. Barkley was always going to find it difficult against the power of Nemanja Matic and Ross Barkley, but that is no excuse for his lack of composure in possession. He looks far more comfortable in attack when he can link with Romelu Lukaku and doesn’t have the ability to dictate play in the centre.

Phil Jagielka

Everton’s experienced defender Phil Jagielka has been a reliable player for most of his career at Goodison Park, but it’s clear his days are number. The 34-year-old found it difficult against Diego Costa and looked a yard short off the pace, with Chelsea’s attackers breaking with lightning speed at times. He did not look a solid partnership alongside teammate Ashley Williams in the centre-back and Koeman should look to improve the defensive options in the summer.

In other Everton news, they have been given an injury boost as their midfielder is expected to return before the end of the season.

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