Gary Cahill twice saved Chelsea from a red card at Everton
By George Perry
Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta both received yellow cards in the first half against Everton. Cahill’s quick thinking and calm leadership ensured neither saw a second yellow late in the game.
Gary Cahill scored Chelsea’s second goal and led the team with nine clearances at Everton. His greatest impact, though, may have been ensuring that the Blues finished the match with 11 men on the pitch.
Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta were booked five minutes apart in the first half. In the opening 20 minutes of the second half, Chelsea were on the losing end of several dubious calls from referee Jon Moss. The Blues were equally frustrated with Moss as they were with the persistent deadlock.
As Chelsea protected their 1-0 through Pedro’s screamer, Eden Hazard brought down Ross Barkley a few yards outside Chelsea’s box. Moss booked Hazard, and Azpilicueta took exception to how Moss marked the line for Chelsea’s wall. Azpilicueta took exaggerated steps mocking Moss and showing where the wall should be.
Moss called Azpilicueta over, and Cahill quickly intervened. Cahill knew that Moss was deliberating whether to book Azpilicueta for dissent and leave Chelsea with 10 men. Cahill performed his captain’s duties perfectly as he pushed the hot-headed Azpilicueta aside and calmly made peace with Moss.
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Less than five minutes later, Cahill scored his career-best sixth goal of the season. He dashed to the nearby travelling fans’ section, and then awkwardly held up his run right at the edge of the stands. He knew that jumping into the crowd to celebrate would have brought him a second booking. Realizing his situation, he tamed his enthusiasm and celebrated just out of reach of the fans.
In each situation Gary Cahill showed the maturity, discipline and football sense to preserve Chelsea’s win. With so much riding on this match Chelsea could not afford to go down a man, even with a 2-0 lead. Nor could Chelsea afford to lose their captain due to immature indiscipline during this run-in.
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Cahill was nearly giddy in his post-match interview. He played a massive role in the three points as centre-back, goal-scorer and captain. His remarkable season is only nine points away from the ending he most desires.