Royal Blue Mersey - Everton at Chelsea: Premier League matchday 3It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2017-08-29T19:25:41+01:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/159721212017-08-29T19:25:41+01:002017-08-29T19:25:41+01:00Everton at Chelsea: Tactical Analysis
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<img alt="Everton FC v Hajduk Split - UEFA Europa League Qualifying Play-Offs Round: First Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Bp3-ahCExCRaY6_TiSXVEYvyIfA=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56419403/833979338.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ronald Koeman tried to replicate his team’s success against Manchester City, but it didn’t work out</p> <p id="jimscE">A trip to Stamford Bridge to play <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> just days after a do-or-die trip to Croatia was always going to be a massive challenge, and for a lot of reasons, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> simply wasn’t up to that challenge on Sunday.</p>
<p id="6FGxVy">Some of the issues were quasi-tactical, but largely, this was a match featuring a well-rested, more talented team, against a poorly-rested, less talented team. <span>Ronald Koeman</span> has worked on (and is continuing to work on) bringing in more talented players, but his squad simply can’t stand up to Antonio Conte’s under those conditions.</p>
<p id="CzHhe9">So, to prevent us all from jumping to the wrong conclusions, let’s take a look at what it is fair to say this match <strong>was</strong> and this match <strong>was not</strong>.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="3RG5x5">
<p id="Sm4WJj">This match <strong>was not</strong>, as some have suggested, an overall tactical failure by Ronald Koeman. His setup was essentially identical to what he did against <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> so successfully in the first half last week, and it provided his players the best possible chance to compete with Chelsea.</p>
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<p id="mpsoJ4">Koeman again went to the 5-2-2-1, but with somewhat different personnel than we saw against City. Sandro Ramirez got the start up top in place of the heavily-used Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Gylfi Sigurdsson started in the attacking midfield two, while Tom Davies took the place of the suspended <span>Morgan Schneiderlin</span> in the holding midfield.</p>
<p id="kokAWs">Without Schneiderlin (and perhaps even with him), Everton had no chance to not be overrun by Chelsea in the midfield if Koeman’s boys tried to take it to the Londoners. So, he was forced to return to the back five, with Davies and Idrissa Gueye sitting in front of them, in an attempt to frustrate the Chelsea attack.</p>
<p id="w8dmnA">And for the most part, that was pretty successful.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">xG map for Chelsea - Everton. For the most part Everton's dour back five did prevent chances. For the most part. <a href="https://t.co/SL0VMiuL1t">pic.twitter.com/SL0VMiuL1t</a></p>— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/901813484681383937">August 27, 2017</a>
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<p id="z8IX5i">Holding Chelsea to 1.1 xG (expected goals) at Stamford Bridge, three days after playing in Croatia, without their best holding midfielder, was not at all a bad result for the Toffees.</p>
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<p id="81shVO">This match <strong>was</strong> puzzling, due to Ronald Koeman’s insistence on having his team attack down the right wing.</p>
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<p id="fhHiTH">According to <a href="http://EvertonFC.com">EvertonFC.com</a>, 41% of Everton’s first-half attacks came down the right wing, which was occupied by Mason Holgate and <span>Wayne Rooney</span>. Holgate — and I really cannot stress this enough — is not a true right-back, nor is he an attacking player.</p>
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<p id="3HO1r2">Almost everything he tried to work forward missed its target (though Sandro shoulders a little of the blame there too). </p>
<p id="OrOZxU">This all went down while <span>Leighton Baines</span> and Gylfi Sigurdsson — unarguably Everton’s two most creative players in the starting XI, lingered essentially unused on the left wing.</p>
<p id="mJS9VO">Against Manchester City, it made sense to play down the right side. For much of the match, Leroy Sane was City’s left-back, making that area an obvious target. Chelsea’s left-back, however, was Marcos Alonso — a better defender than Chelsea right-back Victor Moses. Koeman should have had his more creative players attacking Chelsea’s less defensively sound wing-back.</p>
<p id="Oo7IZw">This isn’t the first time Koeman has forced his team’s attack down the right since <span>Seamus Coleman</span>’s injury, and it almost always hasn’t made sense. The Dutchman needs to either re-think that strategy or better communicate to his players what he is looking for.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SGdfjN">
<p id="oiDZoM">This match <strong>was not</strong> an indication that the team has no depth overall. </p>
<p id="3QHO5c">Muhamed Besic put forward a solid second-half performance in the face of trying personal circumstances, <span>Aaron Lennon</span> had a decent showing off the bench for the second straight match, and the Toffees clearly have three first-team center-backs they can rely on.</p>
<p id="kgQTMc">Koeman has made clear that he wants to bring in another center-back who can also fill in at left-back, so which overall gives the Toffees a fair bit of depth in the midfield and defense.</p>
<p id="NkZQjG">Up top, however, is a different story.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zFLfK7">
<p id="DCeLY3">This match <strong>was</strong> an indication that Everton needs another striker desperately.</p>
<p id="B4Z8We">Sandro did not have a good match playing as a lone striker. He struggled to find space between and behind the Chelsea defenders, and the result was extraordinarily few touches.</p>
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<p id="Nsijyj">If the plan is to continue using Wayne Rooney primarily as an attacking midfielder (which has been a good role for him so far), then Everton cannot solely rely on young Calvert-Lewin and Sandro to get things done up front. </p>
<p id="fLiVqW">Calvert-Lewin has been good so far this season, but he cannot be expected to be the primary striker given his youth and inexperience. It’s also worth noting that his best performance came against a defensively-poor Manchester City team against whom he found plenty of space in behind. He cannot expect that against most Premier League and Europa League competition — and I’m not convinced he has the skill to help break down bunkering teams.</p>
<p id="gerXps">Sandro has more experience, but simply hasn’t found his footing at Everton thus far — understandable given his early season injury. It’s also a little unclear what Sandro’s best position will be at Everton. Is he a striker? Is he an inverted winger in Koeman’s more preferred 4-3-3? Time will tell — but the Toffees can’t afford to find out in late October that the Spaniard isn’t the answer up top either.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MnCHlW">
<p id="xi7vYZ">In all, this match served a dose of sobering reality, but shouldn’t really have taught us much more than we already knew. 2017-18 Everton already has more evenly spread talent throughout the squad, even with some key players injured. Ronald Koeman is willing to utilize a variety of systems, most recently the 5-2-2-1, to complement his preferred 4-3-3 — and these have worked to a reasonable extent.</p>
<p id="3bB4zF">But the Toffees still sorely miss Seamus Coleman — and Koeman has to stop trying to approximate his contributions through Holgate or Cuco Martina. He’s got a perfectly good left-back in Leighton Baines, and that wing should be utilized more frequently.</p>
<p id="BaJak4">Most importantly, the Toffees still have a Romelu Lukaku-sized hole in their attack. No single player is going to replace all of the Belgian’s production, and Calvert-Lewin’s emergence has softened the blow. But Koeman knows he cannot rely on a 20-year-old to power his team to victory across two competitions.</p>
<p id="Ho2RpA">He wants to bring in a big striker — and Everton needs one to be competitive in future matches like this one.</p>
<p id="8GPotr"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/29/16220030/everton-chelsea-tactical-analysis-premier-league-ronald-koeman-sandro-ramirez-calvert-lewin-holgateAdam.Braun2017-08-29T09:00:01+01:002017-08-29T09:00:01+01:00Player Grades from Everton at Chelsea
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<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/io-WTe6jl2-ceSPU7YKOCOAnGqM=/0x0:3519x2346/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56408861/839816630.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Your votes are in for a disappointing performance overall</p> <p id="pOjmKf">Often when <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> puts in a solid shift of teamwork it’s difficult for fans to choose the ‘Man of the Match’. The game at <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> on Sunday proved to be the opposite case, as poor performances across the board made for awful grades being handed out to most players. </p>
<p id="Zmk3zi">It was left to substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin to scoop the Everton Man of the Match award once again despite only coming on with half an hour left. </p>
<p id="FeRHR4">There were 133 votes in all, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16208226/man-of-the-match-player-grades-poll-for-everton-at-chelsea-morata-fabregas-august-2017?_ga=2.79011988.1648598985.1502659873-1835489821.1498153420">grading the players on a scale of 1-10</a>, and here is how they tallied up.</p>
<h2 id="U0YMPv">Man Of The Match </h2>
<h3 id="N0SmS1">Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6.55 out of 10)</h3>
<p id="AzWtTB">This is pretty damning of how poorly most of the Everton side played that a second half substitute graded out better than they all did. Calvert-Lewin showed off more of his direct running, creating a couple of half-chances and generally making a nuisance of himself for the defence. </p>
<aside id="Q5PNCm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Everton at Chelsea: Premier League matchday 3","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/26/16208080/everton-at-chelsea-premier-league-matchday-3-stamford-bridge-ronald-koeman-wayne-rooney?_ga=2.156608827.1648598985.1502659873-1835489821.1498153420"},{"title":"Chelsea 2-0 Everton - Three Thoughts","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/28/16218086/chelsea-2-0-everton-premier-league-cesc-fabregas-alvaro-morata-ronald-koeman-wayne-rooney?_ga=2.156608827.1648598985.1502659873-1835489821.1498153420"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="OdrJc3">Honorable Mentions - </h2>
<h3 id="Pm3unx">
<span>Jordan Pickford</span> (6.23)</h3>
<p id="j5ySLV">While the young goalie could do nothing about the first goal, he might have had a chance at Alvaro Morata’s header at almost point-blank range, but it was also made more difficult for him by no defenders going up to challenge the striker. </p>
<h3 id="otA8A3">Muhamed Besic (5.76)</h3>
<p id="kP4hce">The midfielder came in at the break and was also better than the rest of the team. Having made a reputation as a ‘hatchet man’, Besic was playing under trying circumstances and showed some reserve playing in front of the defensive backline. </p>
<aside id="eJqo3E"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Could Besic miss Chelsea game after father shot?","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16210594/muhamed-besic-father-shot-bosnia-could-miss-everton-chelsea-game-midfielder-crisis?_ga=2.182437799.1648598985.1502659873-1835489821.1498153420"},{"title":"RECAP: Toffees easily overcome, Chelsea 2-0 Everton","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211050/recap-chelsea-2-0-everton-fabregas-morata-willian-pedro-fatigue-tired-koeman-transfer-window?_ga=2.253675401.1648598985.1502659873-1835489821.1498153420"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="ie1aza">The Rest</h2>
<p id="XWULPX"><span>Leighton Baines</span> (5.61) - Was overwhelmed by wave after wave of Chelsea pressure, and gave the Toffees nothing going forward. </p>
<p id="PiysVf"><span>Phil Jagielka</span> (4.88) - Not the worst Everton defender on the day, made some important clearances but was beaten by the hosts’ quick passing.</p>
<p id="5WGlkB"><span>Ashley Williams</span> (4.48) - Looked slow and lumbering, culpable for both goals conceded and missed a good chance to score as well. </p>
<p id="u5KT2y">Michael Keane (5.50) - Was decent enough on the day, though he lost Morata on his goal. </p>
<p id="Iof35g">Mason Holgate (5.29) - Struggled with the pressure, lost the ball often and did not contribute to the attack. </p>
<p id="kowbv9">Tom Davies (4.01) - Looked far from the dynamic active midfielder that we have become used to watching. Pulled off at the break. </p>
<p id="Rfr4hf">Idrissa Gueye (5.14) - Lucky to not be sent off early in the game, booking hampered his effectiveness. </p>
<p id="CE7mTV">Gylfi Sigurdsson (5.29) - Lack of match fitness showed. Was unable to do much without support. </p>
<p id="mZBZvB"><span>Wayne Rooney</span> (5.26) - His frustration was clearly visible as he toiled in vain. International break comes at a perfect time for him. </p>
<p id="Okadsd">Sandro Ramirez (3.43) - Bad day at the office, player clearly lacking full fitness. Did not look ready to play as sole striker in this team. </p>
<p id="28dHqm"><span>Aaron Lennon</span> (5.33) - Brought some energy but with little time to play was unable to do much. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="m9aQE2">
<p id="SIbS0b">Thank you all for your feedback on the player grades, remember to vote again after Everton’s next game. </p>
<p id="0BKmhJ"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/29/16218896/player-grades-from-everton-at-chelsea-man-of-the-match-dominic-calvert-lewin-jordan-pickfordCalvin2017-08-28T23:30:41+01:002017-08-28T23:30:41+01:00Chelsea 2-0 Everton - Three Thoughts
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<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BEG1Fj-DCFg_00xOgPATRBGORoc=/156x0:3675x2346/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56405435/839816630.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Further reflection on the Toffees’ first defeat of the season</p> <h3 id="na7g1S">Was fatigue a factor?</h3>
<p id="vegEzn"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> faced a third tough away game in seven games so it was inevitable after the defeat that there would be talk of tiredness and fatigue. A tough draw at the Etihad followed by a game in Croatia and then a trip to the champions; it’s a punishing schedule, but did it play a part in the defeat? </p>
<p id="V9m3sQ"><span>Ronald Koeman</span> did, after all, make five changes to freshen up his line up for Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge. This season is also only a month old and we are talking about highly tuned athletes. Is it really a valid excuse?</p>
<p id="pEQwGX">The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. </p>
<p id="K0JttD">When talking about elite sport it only takes a tiny dip in performance levels - even one or two percent - to have a negative impact on the result. And after such a punishing week I’m sure there was a slight drop off from some of the Everton players and that was enough for Chelsea to take advantage. However, that wasn’t the main reason for the defeat – they just didn’t play well.</p>
<h3 id="USCJEx">When £140m isn’t enough</h3>
<p id="0WBWJC">Everton have spent heavily this summer to revitalise the squad and launch a sustained challenge for the top four. Games like this were supposed to be a decent yardstick by which to measure their progress. Sadly this match was no different to any of the Toffees’ defeats at Stamford Bridge over the years.</p>
<aside id="ASjZRs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"RECAP: Toffees easily overcome, Chelsea 2-0 Everton","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211050/recap-chelsea-2-0-everton-fabregas-morata-willian-pedro-fatigue-tired-koeman-transfer-window"},{"title":"Koeman realistic about difficult period, wants more signings","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16212006/koeman-transfer-rumours-everton-two-new-signings-striker-chelsea-diego-costa"},{"title":"Man of the Match and Player Grades Poll for Everton at Chelsea","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16208226/man-of-the-match-player-grades-poll-for-everton-at-chelsea-morata-fabregas-august-2017"}]}'></div></aside><p id="fcybm3">From the kick-off <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> were always in control and it quickly became apparent they would only need to score one goal to win the game. Everton’s attack lacked width and pace, with Chelsea easily closing down any avenues the visitors tried to pursue through the middle.</p>
<p id="z4VSbD">As a result the final few days of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> have suddenly become a lot more significant for Ronald Koeman. Despite the deals done so far there remains some glaring holes in the team. </p>
<p id="8N5J3r">A left-sided defender, target man and pacy forward need to be on the Dutchman’s shopping list this week - urgently.</p>
<h3 id="4NXsVr">Is a change in attitude needed?</h3>
<p id="Ez63Dk">A lot of frustrated supporters berated Koeman after the game for being too negative in his approach. After years of being plucky underdogs under David Moyes (knife to a gunfight anyone?) the fans hoped the fresh investment and new-look team would also bring with it a change in attitude.</p>
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<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eZZX_LiXvbKcjQ_PjkZW9ERxlLE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9132163/839812438.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="HWgIcC">Unfortunately Sunday’s game followed a similar pattern to what we have endured for years, even if the personnel were different. </p>
<p id="mLRwYj">So should Koeman have opened up more? Or would being too expansive pose too much of a risk given Chelsea’s attacking threat? </p>
<p id="wB650o">The same accusation was levelled at the Dutchman on Monday when the team looked to be hanging on and bunkering down at Man City despite having one more player during the second half.</p>
<p id="Sr1wPR">On this occasion I feel there were enough mitigating factors to spare him from too much criticism – the number of players missing and the hectic schedule being two. Plus when put in perspective this was our first defeat of the season away at the champions, it’s hardly disastrous.</p>
<p id="P1LjAm">However, I understand where the supporters are coming from.</p>
<p id="GejVki">Everton’s mind-set when heading to venues such as Stamford Bridge and Anfield has been far too negative over the past decade. The burden of defeats gone by seems to have sapped them of any belief and they look half beaten before the game even kicks off. </p>
<p id="KFDN5O">While one of Koeman’s main tasks this summer has been to revitalise the playing squad, he also needs to instil a winning, ruthless attitude when travelling to the division’s leading sides. Something that, on this evidence, may well be easier said than done.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/28/16218086/chelsea-2-0-everton-premier-league-cesc-fabregas-alvaro-morata-ronald-koeman-wayne-rooneyTom Mallows2017-08-27T21:47:30+01:002017-08-27T21:47:30+01:00Koeman realistic about difficult period, wants more signings
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<img alt="Swansea City v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0j7eGsHDdNgoNXXiDc3MO41dZAo=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56387117/679706788.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Manager’s additional comments after poor showing in London</p> <p id="uYf8Nx"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>’s unbeaten run to start the season came to a grinding halt after a fatigued performance at Stamford Bridge saw the Blues soundly beaten 2-0 by <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> earlier today. </p>
<p id="7fTBrQ">After the game, manager <span>Ronald Koeman</span> defended his players, saying that he was resigned to not taking much away from the toughest part of the schedule that included trips to <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and Chelsea, with <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> and <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> lying in wait as well. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="sM0fAo">“We need at least two more players to get numbers in, but the most important thing is to get a striker in. </p>
<p id="ycJhpv">“If you look at all the squads of the big teams, they have so many options. If we get everybody back, like [Seamus] Coleman, [Morgan] Schneiderlin, [Yannick] Bolasie, [James] McCarthy… if we have them, that's good. But we have injuries, which are part of football as well.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="96XFR4">On the subject of getting <span>Diego Costa</span> in the last few days of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, he said - </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="0UAMZm">“I don't know. We are looking to the players who are maybe available. If we sign somebody, it's somebody to make the team better. I don't speak about names of players. We are looking and doing our job. Hopefully we will arrange it for next week.</p>
<p id="MM0zIE">“I'm always confident because we did some good business, but the board knows the importance of the two signings.”</p>
</blockquote>
<aside id="vwVXOW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"RECAP: Toffees easily overcome, Chelsea 2-0 Everton","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211050/recap-chelsea-2-0-everton-fabregas-morata-willian-pedro-fatigue-tired-koeman-transfer-window"},{"title":"Koeman confirms Mirallas dropped for attitude","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211164/kevin-mirallas-transfer-rumours-everton-koeman-discipline-attittude-olympiakos-news-latest"}]}'></div></aside><p id="oTtaaE">On the game itself, Koeman added - </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="rwDSmm">“I am disappointed about the first half because our ball possession was poor. </p>
<p id="NoX45I">“That cost us the second goal, at least. We had spaces to play but we didn’t. We did not have enough movement to give options to the player on the ball. You know how Chelsea start and how they press; you need to be at your best to get a result and we weren’t.</p>
<p id="uBmXE5">“The second half was much better. Much more control and better organisation, but it was difficult still. We lost it in the first half and not in the second.</p>
<p id="nPBshU">“I’m defending my players - they did everything. It wasn’t good enough in the first half, but I’m proud how they fought until the last second to at least be a team on the pitch. It was really difficult and really hot. </p>
<p id="SsWmWD">“Chelsea hadn’t played in the week and we had a really tough week. Reaching the group stage of the Europa League was what we wanted and one point out of City and Chelsea away games is not bad.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="ZQWAJb">Talking about some of his returning players - </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="OUduJb">“I’m really impressed [with Dominic] and that started last season, not today. Dominic is doing well in that position and he’s strong, but he’s played so many games and is a young player. </p>
<p id="oLdUot">“Sandro was back from his injury and if you have three games in five or six days and you need to travel, you can’t do it with 11 players. The young boys now go with England Under-21s and will play again. </p>
<p id="P0OuKV">“You need to protect not only the young ones - you saw today with Wayne and Gylfi. Maybe it was too much for Gylfi to play twice in a short period after a difficult pre-season, but I did not have six or seven players available. And that’s the reason why, with City, Hajduk and Chelsea, it’s too much.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16212006/koeman-transfer-rumours-everton-two-new-signings-striker-chelsea-diego-costaCalvin2017-08-27T21:13:10+01:002017-08-27T21:13:10+01:00RECAP: Toffees easily overcome, Chelsea 2-0 Everton
<figure>
<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WcmcXusDK-JHGWahbV7jfVUelzU=/0x0:2571x1714/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56386757/839812614.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Fabregas scores the first goal | Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Toffees disappointing in third game in six days</p> <p id="YQMoKH"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> looked well off the pace as they rounded off a long week with a dreadful performance away at the champions.</p>
<p id="czay0N">The Europa League hangover seems to already be making an impact on the squad and with no game to worry about next weekend <span>Ronald Koeman</span> will now be focused on adding much needed quality and depth to the squad before Thursday’s deadline.</p>
<aside id="NLM0xF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Chelsea 2-0 Everton: Instant Reaction","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211058/chelsea-2-0-everton-instant-reaction-premier-league"},{"title":"Man of the Match and Player Grades Poll for Everton at Chelsea","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16208226/man-of-the-match-player-grades-poll-for-everton-at-chelsea-morata-fabregas-august-2017"}]}'></div></aside><p id="dmtK09">The game got off to a slow start but it wasn’t long before the champions began to flex their muscles, getting forward with pace and dispossessing a tired looking Everton side with their energy and relentless pressing. Everton were looking like a side who were playing their third game in six days and travelled across Europe and back, with no pace or penetration going forward and plenty of second guessing at the back. </p>
<p id="l5Za8D">Pedro had a couple of chances and David Luiz tested <span>Jordan Pickford</span>, with these chances a sign of things to come. Willian teased the Blues out wide and gave it to Cesc Fabregas who combined brilliantly with his compatriot Alvaro Morata before stabbing a low shot home. Everton seemed to give up once they had fallen behind and it was looking like it could be a long afternoon in West London. </p>
<p id="VN69Vr">The game was all but won for the hosts 11 minutes later as Morata powered home a header from a wonderful Cesar Azpilicueta cross. <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> were dominating the Toffees and keeping them under intense pressure, willian attempted a forward ball which was blocked by Michael Keane out towards the captain, who brilliantly found Morata in the area who just needed to divert the ball home, easy pickings for him.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZzBDu58ylMByFtj-IvdyvhTJnOY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9124459/839909134.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="1U808J">Half time couldn’t come soon enough for Everton as Chelsea looked like they could go on to equal last season’s emphatic 5-0 win over the Toffees. Muhamed Besic replaced Tom Davies at the break but the fresh legs did nothing to stem the Chelsea onslaught. Everton failed to have a touch of the ball in Chelsea’s penalty area in the first period, with Sandro having the first shot of the game on 47 minutes, seeing his effort blocked by Luiz. He cut a lonesome figure up front and failed to put the home defence under any real pressure. </p>
<p id="9FykRv"><span>Victor Moses</span> and Willian were causing all sorts of issues on the right hand side, combining well with quick one-two’s and getting into threatening areas time and time again. Moses had a couple of chances to put the game well and truly to bed but fluffed his lines on both occasions. </p>
<p id="BV6vKh">Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on to replace Sandro and was the only player who really gave Chelsea problems in the final third. He pounced on a defensive mistake and drove towards the box, eventually finding Rooney who had a chance to force a first save out of Courtois but he sliced his effort well wide of the mark. <span>Ashley Williams</span> had a couple of chances to get Everton back into hit, hooking a decent effort just over the bar and then glancing a header agonisingly wide from a beautiful Gylfi Sigurdsson cross. </p>
<p id="AorFer">Despite Everton finally testing the Chelsea defence, the hosts were still threatening every time they attacked and Everton were continually sloppy in possession throughout the game. With just 3 minutes of normal time left Gueye finally forced a save out of Courtois as he side footed a decent effort towards the top corner, but the Belgian keeper was equal to it and tipped it over.</p>
<aside id="Or7dmm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Koeman confirms Mirallas dropped for attitude","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211164/kevin-mirallas-transfer-rumours-everton-koeman-discipline-attittude-olympiakos-news-latest"},{"title":"Besic insisted on playing today despite father’s shooting","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211220/muhamed-besic-shooting-father-meho-bosnia-koeman-confirmation-everton"}]}'></div></aside><p id="oE88DC">The result wasn’t hugely surprising but the performance was. After looking so solid defensively in the opening weeks of the season, Everton had no answer to Chelsea’s pace and power today and all but rolled over and took their beating. It was certainly a gruelling week for the Blues but tiredness is not a viable excuse for such a disjointed and disappointing performance. The game raised further questions over the Toffees striking options and Koeman will be desperate to add some real quality to the forward line before the window slams shut on Thursday night.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211050/recap-chelsea-2-0-everton-fabregas-morata-willian-pedro-fatigue-tired-koeman-transfer-windowCalDumbell2017-08-27T16:47:06+01:002017-08-27T16:47:06+01:00Besic insisted on playing today despite father’s shooting
<figure>
<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ikX_Ec6Gt8f0yDP57A5vcfq2FWY=/0x0:3140x2093/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56384783/839828168.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Besic tackles Pedro | Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Koeman confirms news during post-match comments</p> <p id="20DVTR">After today’s limp loss away at <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> manager <span>Ronald Koeman</span> confirmed that Muhamed Besic’s father had indeed <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16210594/muhamed-besic-father-shot-bosnia-could-miss-everton-chelsea-game-midfielder-crisis">been shot</a> as was reported late yesterday, but that the midfielder wanted to be involved in today’s game after having spoken to his parent. </p>
<aside id="TFJ4Ke"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Could Besic miss Chelsea game after father shot?","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16210594/muhamed-besic-father-shot-bosnia-could-miss-everton-chelsea-game-midfielder-crisis"},{"title":"Chelsea 2-0 Everton: Instant Reaction","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211058/chelsea-2-0-everton-instant-reaction-premier-league"}]}'></div></aside><p id="TW21Qg">Speaking to the media, Koeman said - </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Klc7hp">“I spoke to him yesterday evening and he'd spoken to his father. </p>
<p id="gVfRv8">“Today after the game he told me he'd be in contact with his family. I don't know really what happened, but what came out in the paper is true. He said he was ready and committed. After the game he will talk to his family to see what he needs to do.</p>
<p id="9CySBZ">“It's always the decision of the player, a family question. He showed commitment. He spoke to his family about what happened yesterday. Maybe he will now get off to be with his family for the next couple of days.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Fvkp0B">Besic’s commitment to the team and his future at Everton is evidently stronger than <span>Kevin Mirallas</span>’, who it was confirmed today was <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211164/kevin-mirallas-transfer-rumours-everton-koeman-discipline-attittude-olympiakos-news-latest">dropped for having a poor attitude</a> in training, and is likely on his way out. </p>
<p id="fKXn09"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211220/muhamed-besic-shooting-father-meho-bosnia-koeman-confirmation-evertonCalvin2017-08-27T16:28:49+01:002017-08-27T16:28:49+01:00Koeman confirms Mirallas dropped for attitude
<figure>
<img alt="Swansea City v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yV222UreTVDOwfze3aG-R0aoBIY=/0x0:2133x1422/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56384645/679701396.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Manager shows frustration at Belgian in post-match comments</p> <p id="brqInV">After <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> were thoroughly outclassed in a 2-0 loss at <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, manager <span>Ronald Koeman</span> spoke about his decision to leave Belgian forward <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> out of today’s squad. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="JkyWfq">“He was out because he is struggling to deal with moments in the season and was disappointed.</p>
<p id="OjHEDo">“Everybody can be disappointed.</p>
<p id="8dX23s">“But I expect from everybody to be part of the team.</p>
<p id="pWLAeD">“If somebody is showing that he is disappointed and his attitude is not the same then I have to make decision.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="JCZwoN">Mirallas has struggled to find playing time in competitive games this season, and it appears he has figured out that he will not play a big role in Everton’s campaign this season and is petitioning for a move out of Goodison while the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> is still open. </p>
<p id="7XIyX6">What is disappointing though is the way he is going about this. Bringing a poor attitude to Finch Farm is not the way to get any favours out of a disciplinarian like Koeman, as <span>Ross Barkley</span> has learned. </p>
<aside id="p5etDP"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Forward to sign new Everton long-term contract","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/5/9/15600652/kevin-mirallas-new-long-term-contract-everton-transfer-news-latest-dixies-awards"},{"title":"The Case For and Against Kevin Mirallas’ New Contract","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/5/13/15616556/kevin-mirallas-contract-extension-everton-ronald-koeman-positives-negatives-europa-league-squad"}]}'></div></aside><p id="hOY8HH">What is even more puzzling then is the decision to give Mirallas a long term deal at the end of last season. </p>
<p id="C9INeu">When Koeman was asked if Mirallas would be transferred out, the Dutchman replied vaguely - </p>
<blockquote><p id="RCb7zX">“I don't know”.</p></blockquote>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16211164/kevin-mirallas-transfer-rumours-everton-koeman-discipline-attittude-olympiakos-news-latestCalvin2017-08-27T15:27:22+01:002017-08-27T15:27:22+01:00Man of the Match and Player Grades Poll for Everton at Chelsea
<figure>
<img alt="Chelsea v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5uM4GWVMyPYJdomn1L7e1Ri83H0=/0x0:3216x2144/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56384209/839820638.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Vote on the player performances from today’s game</p> <p id="EWBlt1">A depleted <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> side traveled to <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> on Sunday to take on the defending Premier League champions, with this lineup - </p>
<p id="HBo89P"><strong>Starting XI </strong>- Pickford, Baines, Jagielka (c), Williams, Keane, Holgate, Davies, Gana, Sigurdsson, Rooney, Sandro</p>
<p id="zDk3x4"><strong>Bench</strong> - Stekelenburg, Lennon, Martina, Besic, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Kenny</p>
<p id="5L7qi4">Idrissa Gueye went into the book for a crunching sliding tackle within the first ten minutes. Willian cut the Blues to shreds in the first fifteen minutes as Chelsea’s quick passing left the Blues flat-footed chasing the ball. </p>
<p id="tzdsbI">The hosts high press was making it very difficult for Everton to do much with the ball. After a period of sustained pressure, it was no surprise that Chelsea took the lead at the half hour mark with Cesc Fabregas scoring a well-worked goal. Chelsea then easily doubled the advantage with a pinpoint cross to Alvaro Morata neatly dispatched past <span>Jordan Pickford</span>. </p>
<p id="ez7yOq">The second half was more of the same with the Stamford Bridge side looking perfectly capable of adding to the lead more often than not. Eventually with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Muhamed Besic on the Toffees showed more life but the gulf in quality and stamina between the two sides stood out clearly. </p>
<p id="bE13oi"><em>If this poll is not showing up on your screen, please </em><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/JLzeiRkruZMGBnwE3"><em>click here</em></a><em> to go and grade the players - we apologize for the inconvenience.</em></p>
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<p id="Kk1q3m">Thank you all for your feedback on the player grades. We’ve changed the scale to 1-10 starting today’s game, and will make the grades recap an earlier and regular feature going forward.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/8/27/16208226/man-of-the-match-player-grades-poll-for-everton-at-chelsea-morata-fabregas-august-2017Calvin