Story by
Merlin Rohl takes breath away: Three Everton things you may have missed vs Chelsea
- Story by
- Merlin Rohl takes breath away: Three Everton things you may have missed vs Chelsea
Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 in a full-blooded affair at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Pedro Neto's double kept the momentum going for the visitors.
The result gave Chelsea a first Premier League clean sheet in nine months and was Everton's first league defeat this season. Chelsea go fourth, with Everton sitting sixth, before the rest of the weekend's games.
Advertisement
After just 35 minutes, five players had seen their names taken by referee Paul Tierney in what was a Premier League classic on Saturday, 17 October.
The game had it all. A brace from Pedro Neto, a serious injury for Emi Martinez, some controversial calls, and a frantic finish.
David Moyes will feel disappointed that his team failed to come away with anything at home, but with a limited bench, his couldn't really change much.
The result sees Xabi Alonso's side leapfrogging the Toffees into fourth, while Moyes's side have fallen to sixth before the rest of the weekend's fixtures.
While it is a frustrating result at home, the Scot will feel that he's learned about his team and the opposition, things he can take forward in the season.
Advertisement
James Tarkowski can be a creative force
All the best defenders are able to bring the ball from defence, and Jarrad Branthwaite is usually the one known for that on Merseyside.
His centre-back partner, James Tarkowski, showed Moyes exactly what he's capable of further up the pitch on this occasion, going on multiple maey runs against Chelsea.
It was too much for Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer to handle, and with one chance created [ FotMob ], the Toffees have yet another creative force.
Everton insider shares Thierno Barry 'training ground' reveal Sources: Celtic set sights on 'outstanding' Everton man Cole Palmer gets special treatment
Advertisement
When the cards were flying out of Paul Tierney's pocket, it was absolutely baffling not to see Palmer's name taken at the Hill Dickinson.
Early in the first half, he booted the ball into the air after the referee's whistle had gone, and even after multiple moments of dissent, he remained unpunished.
The captain finally talked his way into the referee's bad books in the 65th minute, and he should have seen another come his way after a late lunge on Branthwaite.
Merlin Rohl is a true speed machine
Merlin Rohl has gone from zero to hero in the space of a few months on Merseyside, and is starting to establish himself after securing his fourth league start of the campaign.
Advertisement
Starting out on the right wing, he dropped back to right-back, and it was an impressive display from the 24-year-old at the Hill Dickinson.
He covered 10.9km, had a hugely impressive top speed of 35.1km (the second quickest of any player on both sides behind only Neto), had one shot on target, attempted three dribbles, made four clearances, won 50 per cent of his eight duels, and was absolutely everywhere [ FotMob ].
