sport news Chelsea defensive display in victory over Everton suggest a need for fresh legs ... trends now

sport news Chelsea defensive display in victory over Everton suggest a need for fresh legs ... trends now
sport news Chelsea defensive display in victory over Everton suggest a need for fresh legs ... trends now

sport news Chelsea defensive display in victory over Everton suggest a need for fresh legs ... trends now

At times against Everton, Chelsea’s trio of centre-back stalwarts rolled back the years, showing all the value of their experience and defensive nous.

Thiago Silva, 37, typified it with one of many interceptions in particular. The Brazilian kept his composure and held his ground, like the classy defender he is, when facing a two-against-one Everton breakaway until the time was just right to commit and cut out Demarai Gray’s pass to the unmarked Anthony Gordon.

Summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly caught the eye with some of his reading of the game, nullifying Everton on the few occasions when they thought they had escaped him.

Thiago Silva was outpaced by Demarai Gray during a moment of worry in the second half

Thiago Silva was outpaced by Demarai Gray during a moment of worry in the second half

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta had a difficult afternoon against winger Anthony Gordon

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta had a difficult afternoon against winger Anthony Gordon

The 31-year-old was adventurous too, getting forward and playing the pass before Ben Chilwell was fouled for the penalty that Jorginho converted to clinch all three points.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, played his part as well with two alert interceptions to whip the ball off Dele Alli’s toes and bail out his beaten teammates.

MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS

EVERTON (5-4-1): Pickford 7; Patterson 6.5, Mina 7.5 (Vinagre 70min, 6), Godfrey 5.5 (Holgate 18, 6), Tarkowski 8, Mykolenko 7; McNeil 6.5 (Alli 61, 6.5), Doucoure 6, Iwobi 8, Gray 6; Gordon 7. 

Booked: Mina, Mykolenko, Holgate. 

Manager: Frank Lampard 7.

CHELSEA (3-4-3): Mendy 7; Azpilicueta 7.5, Silva 8.5, Koulibaly 7.5 (Cucurella 75, 7); James 6.5, Kante 7.5, Jorginho 7 (Gallagher 90), Chilwell 6 (Loftus-Cheek 65, 6); Mount 6 (Pulisic 65, 6.5), Sterling 7, Havertz 5.5 (Broja 74, 6). 

Scorer: Jorginho 45+9 (pen). 

Booked: James, Cucurella. 

Manager: Thomas Tuchel 7.5.

Referee: Craig Pawson 5.

Attendance: 39,254.

 

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But beyond those standout moments, there was also the sight of Silva being outpaced by Gray for one second-half chance, following a breakdown in communication with

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