Everton managed to get the best of the Blues and nullify Maurizio Sarri’s strategies. Chelsea remain undefeated after 12 Premier League games, but what good does it do if they do not win?
The Blues should have done better in the attack and some players are to blame. Only a few performed adequately, while others didn’t do much to help the team. At the same time, many calls were given the wrong way, or simply went against Chelsea.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, goalkeeper: 7.5
Arrizabalaga had a good performance once again, although he did not have much to do. In fact, he only made one save the entire game. But his distribution was, as always, amazing. He made the right decisions to come off his line to receive the ball and make the correct passes. He is starting to look like a midfielder with his passing accuracy and effectiveness.
Cesar Azpilicueta, right back: 7.5
The Chelsea captain had a great performance. Not only was his defensive work spot on, but he got forward many times to support the wingers. Azpilicueta tried to find Alvaro Morata with his trade-mark crosses, but unfortunate he was unable to do so (at least not with Morata onside). Aside from that, he battled hard up and down the line to deny the opposition any form of organization.
For some strange reason, he was criticized after previous games, but against Everton he proved he is one of the best defenders in the league. If anyone wants to keep questioning his abilities, please remember he is a defender who can attack. Not an attacker who can defend.
David Luiz, center back: 7.0
It was a solid performance by David Luiz, who hardly made any mistakes. He kept the back line organized for the most part and did not allow Gylfi Sigurdsson or Theo Walcott any chance to form a cohesive attack. He also distributed long balls to the wingers, something Chelsea certainly needed due to Everton’s compact defense. Strong tackles and good timing in his passes are what make Luiz stand out. Adding on error-free performances should help the team keep clean sheets and win games.
Antonio Rudiger, center back: 7.0
If you did not know how strong and physical Antonio Rudiger is, now you know. The German international cleared any danger sent his way and out-bodied every player in the opposition’s attack.
Rudiger has become a favorite for Maurizio Sarri due to his timing, ability to win the ball in the air, how he gets ahead of the play and his physical strengths. Although Rudiger was booked unfairly, like many other Chelsea players, take nothing away from him. A strong defensive day to keep the clean sheet.
Marcos Alonso, left back: 8.0
The best player on the pitch, without a doubt. Alonso, despite being a left back, had two amazing shots on target. If either had gone in, they could have been nominated for goal of the season. One of them was a left-footed volley, which was miraculously stopped by Jordan Pickford. The other, an unlikely shot that hit the far post.
Alonso posed as much of a threat as all three attackers combined when he went forward. In defense, he made no mistakes and contained Everton’s counter attacks. A very forward-thinking performance today from the Spaniard who really deserved to be on the scoresheet.