December 17, (THEWILL) – Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite scored the game-equalling goal, his first for the visitors at Stamford Bridge to end the game 1-1 and effectively deny the COVID-19 and injury-hit Chelsea all three points.
In the first half, the Blues pinned Everton to their goal, putting the area under siege. However, they were unable to take full advantage owing to sloppy finishing and Jordan Pickford’s brilliant performance between the sticks for Everton.
Still, Mason Mount put the hosts ahead with a beautiful finish 20 minutes from time following a great through-ball from Reece James.
However, Chelsea were only in front for all of four minutes before Anthony Gordon’s inswinging cross from the left flank was turned in at the back post by the 19-year-old defender Branthwaite.
As hard as the hosts tried to find the win, they could not break the stalemate.
Chelsea now trail Manchester City by four points as they continue to deal with player unavailability due to injuries or illness. After testing positive for COVID-19, Chelsea forwards Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, and Callum Hudson-Odoi all missed the game, while Kai Havertz was also absent due to symptoms.
The result could have been different with those players, instead it became the third time in four games that Chelsea failed to win at home, with fortuitous victories over lowly Norwich and Leeds.
The COVID predicament could not have come at a worse moment for Thomas Tuchel’s side, and they will undoubtedly hope that their match against Wolves on Sunday is postponed to avoid another one of such results. Or worse.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
