EPL
Chelsea 2-2 Everton: Player ratings as Toffees snatch late point
Everton gained a vital point in their fight against relegation after snatching a late draw at Chelsea.
The Blues squandered one-goal leads on two occasions, with the Toffees returning to Merseyside buoyant in their battle against the drop.
Chelsea came flying out the blocks, pushing for an opener from the off and almost getting one within the first five minutes with Mateo Kovacic firing just wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal.
The opening stages were a sign of things to come with the hosts continuing to dominate and Everton rarely making it out of their own half in the first 30 minutes of the match. Despite that though, Graham Potter’s wide weren’t able to create any clear-cut chances.
The visitors came out of their shells in the closing stages of the first half, getting on the ball more and causing the Chelsea backline some problems, but they weren’t able to force Kepa Arrizabalaga into action.
By the time the referee blew the whistle for half-time, the Spaniard hadn’t had to make a single save while Pickford’s three were all comfortable, with neither side ever really looking like breaking the deadlock.
Chelsea finally managed to do so at the start of the second half courtesy of Joao Felix, who controlled the ball on the edge of the box and sent it against the post and into the back of the net.
He then almost got an assist straight after but was offside, causing Christian Pulisic’s goal to be ruled out.
Going behind hardly sparked Everton into life with the match looking more likely to become 2-0 than 1-1 but they did look a threat from set-pieces and ultimately drew level from one just before the 70th minute with Abdoulaye Doucoure heading the ball over the line from close range.
Sean Dyche’s side couldn’t stay level for long though with Reece James winning a penalty under a challenge from James Tarkowski five minutes later, and Kai Havertz converting it to put his team back in the lead.
Chelsea looked comfortable after that and looked set to take the three as the game entered its closing stages, but a moment of magic from substitute Ellis Simms changed that, with the youngster taking on Kalidou Koulibaly and slotting past Kepa.
The hosts didn’t have time to respond after that with the two sides sharing the spoils.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4/10 – Only had three shots to deal with and let two of them in – he could have done better for the second goal in particular.
CB: Wesley Fofana – 6/10 – Was solid at the back, winning most of his duels both on the ground and in the air, but gave the ball away a lot.
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly – 4/10 – Dealt with Demarai Gray fairly well and was good on the ball but was beaten far too easily for Everton’s second, undoing all of his good work.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – 6/10 – Looked the least comfortable of the Chelsea backline but didn’t do too much wrong.
RM: Reece James – 7/10 – Caused Everton a huge amount of problems on the right, creating chances and winning a penalty with his runs.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – 7/10 – Created the opening goal with an excellent cross-field pass and made some good tackles too.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 6/10 – As if often the case, was solid if unspectacular in midfield, providing a platform for his more creative team-mates.
LM: Ben Chilwell – 7/10 – Played a part in the opening goal and was a threat throughout on the left.
RW: Kai Havertz – 6/10 – Took his penalty well but didn’t do a huge amount from open play.
ST: Joao Felix – 7/10 – Scored a good goal, his first at Stamford Bridge,
LW: Christian Pulisic – 6/10 – Looked lively on his return from injury.
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher (62′ for Pulisic) – 4/10
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (81′ for Kovacic) – N/A
Carney Chukwuemeka (86′ for Felix) – N/A
Trevor Chalobah (86′ for Fofana) – N/A
Manager
Graham Potter – 5/10 – Set up his team well to start with but left them exposed at the back even when 2-1 up, and his substitues had a negative effect.
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GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10 – Couldn’t do much about either goal and made a few good saves.
RB: Seamus Coleman – 5/10 – Struggled against Chilwell and Pulisic at times and couldn’t do anything going forward.
CB: Michael Keane – 6/10 – Missed a good chance but was solid at the back.
CB: James Tarkowski – 6/10 – Made some good blocks and clearances and got an assist, but did give away a penalty.
LB: Ben Godfrey – 5/10 – Didn’t do too well at either end, struggling to deal with James.
RM: Alex Iwobi – 6/10 – Worked hard and made some good runs, but his final pass was poor at times.
CM: Amadou Onana – 6/10 – Was decent on the ball and won possession a few times.
CM: Idrissa Gueye – 5/10 – Got a yellow card, made a number of other fouls and lost the ball a lot.
CM: Abdoulaye Doucoure – 8/10 – Got one goal, one assist, made some other excellent passes and battled hard in midfield.
LM: Dwight McNeil – 5/10 – Failed to make much of an impact in attack and could have tracked James better.
ST: Demarai Gray – 6/10 – Worked really hard and linked up play well, but couldn’t cause too many problems himself.
Substitutes
Ellis Simms (79′ for Gueye) – 7/10 – Only had six touches but made the most of them, winning his team a point but with a superb goal.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (84′ for Coleman) – N/A
Manager
Sean Dyche – 8/10 – His impact on the club is already clear to see with Everton well-drilled at the back and a threay from set-pieces. His sub earned his team a point.
Player of the match – Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is weighing up whether to sack manager Antonio Conte this week, 90min understands.
While Spurs remain fourth in the Premier League, limp exits in the FA Cup and Champions League threw the Italian’s future into doubt and his meltdown at Southampton plunged the club further into crisis.
90min revealed earlier on Monday Tottenham could be forced to pay Conte a whipping £15m if they dismiss him before the end of the season.
Now, sources have confirmed Conte is back in Italy for a routine trip to his homeland having held talks with Spurs boss Levy. A final decision has not yet been reached but a number of officials at the club believe Conte’s position is untenable.
Here at 90min towers, we’ve realised that there is always at least one Premier League club in relative crisis at any given time. In tribute, they are christened as the ‘crisis club of the week’.
But Tottenham Hotspur have crossed a line. You can’t keep continuously wrestling back the championship belt (you know, proverbially – we all know about the trophy drought). There must be a price to pay.
As such, we’ve had to dust off the old ‘who is to blame?’ gimmick instead. So, who really is to blame for Spurs’ current distress?
Blame rating: 0.1/10
Look at him. That big smile. Those big shoes. Those big wings.
He is everything wrong with Tottenham Hotspur.
Blame rating: 0.2/10
What’s worse than one big giant cockerel?
TWO big giant cockerels.
Blame rating: 0.5/10
It’s time to hop in the time machine. It’s time for some domino-effect interrogating.
Midway through the 2011/12 season, Tottenham had separated themselves from the top-four chasing pack and were within touching distance of Premier League title contenders Manchester City.
In a crunch game at the Etihad Stadium, Spurs fought back from two goals down to level it at 2-2. Mario Balotelli somehow escaped a red card for stamping on Scott Parker’s head, and would score a stoppage time penalty to seal a win for Man City and send Tottenham’s campaign into a tailspin.
That’s why they’re still stuck fighting for top-four finishes now.
Blame rating: 0.75/10
With Tottenham in the midst of that title fight, they recruited Ryan Nelsen and Louis Saha on free transfers on deadline day.
How do you think it went?
Blame rating: 1/10
But the person most at fault for such a collapse is Harry Redknapp. Or more specifically, his dog Rosie.
During a trial of two counts of cheating the public revenue, Redknapp explained to a court that he set up a Monaco bank account with Rosie’s name because he loved her so much.
All the while, Spurs’ season was going down the pan and he was flirting with the England job.
How could you do this, Rosie?
Blame rating: 1.5/10
At the end of Redknapp’s tenure, star midfielder Luka Modric was sold to Real Madrid, with Spurs announcing they had entered a special ‘partnership agreement’ with the Spanish giants.
Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid a year later.
Blame rating: 2/10
Though Juande Ramos is also Real Madrid alumni, his connection to Tottenham is for a very different reason.
He was the last manager to win a trophy with Spurs. Much better managers have followed in his wake and failed. What a lottery.
Blame rating: 2.1/10
Ramos won the cup, but that team spiritually belonged to Martin Jol. He’s just as culpable.
Blame rating: 2.5/10
Because you can’t blame who Spurs are and what they’re about without referencing Lasagna-gate 2006. I don’t want to go into it, though. Too painful.
Hometown glory. ????
Congratulations on the new album, @Adele! ???? pic.twitter.com/kKW0dWGJfY — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 19, 2021
Blame rating: 3/10
One of Tottenham’s most famous fans just happens to be someone who can also sell out Wembley – how are Spurs supposed to live with that pressure?
But speaking of Wembley…
Blame rating: 3.5/10
Tottenham had outgrown their old White Hart Lane stadium and had to move on. During construction of a new ground, they had to play at Wembley – a soulless stadium which was a nightmare to get to and from.
Spurs were unbeaten in their final season at White Hart Lane and lost their first game at Wembley. Go figure.
Blame rating: 4/10
Tottenham haven’t quite felt the benefits of their new home just yet. Why not? Why can’t a stadium play at wing-back?
Blame rating: 4.1/10
Among proposals for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were a cheese room as part of the club’s luxury offerings.
It did not make the final blueprints.
Blame rating: 4.5/10
Beavertown have a microbrewery inside the new stadium. They now run a pub where the old ticket office stood. I am the proud owner of Beavertown x Spurs merchandise.
They truly run the world.
Blame rating: 5/10
The NFL have a 10-year agreement to play matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. There is a specific-use American football pitch underneath the soccer one.
It’s just not football anymore.
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Blame rating: 5.1/10
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium featured on an episode of Richard Hammond’s Big.
Did the club further need their ego stroked? No.
Is the episode any good? Oh yeah, really great. Rivalries aside, definitely go watch it.
Blame rating: 5.2/10
Do podcasters even say anything interesting? Anything noteworthy? Are they worth the hassle? Everyone’s got a bloody podcast these days.
Anyway, please subscribe to Oh What A Night, part of the 90min podcast network. Hosted by me.
Blame rating: 5.5/10
The referee who gave a handball against Moussa Sissoko 22 seconds into the only Champions League final Tottenham might ever play.
I hope you’re proud of yourself. You ruined it for everyone.
Blame rating: 5.6/10
Off the back of reaching that Champions League final, Spurs made an audacious move to sign Paulo Dybala from Juventus.
He didn’t seem overly keen on the deal anyway, but a move fell apart on deadline day as Tottenham could not legally work their way around an issue with the forward’s image rights.
Great.
Blame rating: 6/10
Jose Mourinho was hired to get Tottenham over the line in their pursuit of a trophy.
He took the club backwards instead.
Blame rating: 6.1/10
Tottenham were handed a boost in their 2020/21 UEFA Europa League last 16 tie with Dinamo Zagreb when it was confirmed that manager Zoran Mamic had been sentenced to four years in prison.
Spurs managed to blow a two-goal lead and lost the second leg 3-0. Maybe if Mamic was let off the hook things would have been different.
Blame rating: 6.2/10
Off the back of that surprise elimination, the social media manager of Joe Hart – who spent just one season at Spurs – praised the result on the goalkeeper’s Instagram page, assuming that Tottenham wouldn’t have ballsed it up.
Hart issued a public apology for the incident, but the damage was done.
Blame rating: 6.5/10
This really was a time where bashing Tottenham was the lowest of hanging fruits. Even Dulux – who had become the club’s official paint supplier days earlier – posted tweets mocking their empty trophy cabinet.
Blame rating: 6.6/10
“Lads, it’s Tottenham.”
This utterance from Fergie set up a generation of Spurs jokes.
Blame rating: 6.7/10
Ah, the man behind the modern person’s Spurs proverb.
“It is in the history of the Tottenham.”
That’s another generation sorted.
Blame rating: 7/10
The best fried chicken in north London, why must you always tempt us back to N17?
Sources (Matt Le Tissier and David Cotterill) suggest the secret ingredient is Chirpy.
Blame rating: 7.5/10
Ok, I’m only being half-satirical with this list. 75% at a push. 100% if you think I’m a moron.
But there are genuinely Tottenham fans who think that Beyonce playing concerts at the stadium this summer is an awful thing which somehow ties to the club’s ambitions.
Blame rating: 8/10
Is it a good thing when your managing director of football could be banned from football for two-and-a-half years for financial irregularities?
Probably not.
Blame rating: 8.6/10
Antonio Conte was meant to be different. He was hired to get Tottenham over the line in their pursuit of a trophy. He took the club backwards inst- hey, didn’t I say this already?
Blame rating: 8.7/10
The unlikeliest of heroes, all things considered. 271 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, and by dumb modern-day logic, none of them mean anything.
What a sad little life, Harry.
Blame rating: 8.8/10
Well, Tactics Tim, you always wanted to take credit for Kane becoming one of the best players in the world.
Time to have your cake and eat it.
Blame rating: 9/10
Whooooo remembers ‘4th – Arsenal’ jokes?
No but seriously the Gunners have made the leap Spurs were supposed to and it’s causing misery down the other end of the Seven Sisters Road and I hate it.
Blame rating: 9.1/10
Lord Sugar was the owner of Tottenham during one of the worst stretches of their entire history. Nowadays, he just tweets discriminatory things and hosts The Apprentice.
Quite a brush for the club to be tarred with.
Blame rating: 9.5/10
Objectively and subjectively, Tottenham have made huge strides under Daniel Levy’s chairmanship.
They’ve also stagnated in recent years because of some really poor decisions and refusal to learn from mistakes.
Levy giveth, Levy taketh away.
Blame rating: 10/10
Here he is. The man who raised the bar, who made modern Tottenham Hotspur the club they are today.
It’s only right that he should be forced to return and sort out this mess. Who’s with me?
Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien is officially headed to Major League Soccer.
The player will join D.C. United on loan through July 16, though the contract contains a purchase option.
As reported previously by 90min, the two parties agreed to terms for the temporary stint after head coach Wayne Rooney convinced O’Brien of the project at D.C. United.
“Lewis has been one of the best players in the Championship over the last few seasons,” Rooney said in a release. “He reads the game well and creates goal-scoring opportunities. Bringing him in on loan from Nottingham Forest was a great bit of business for us and he will be a brilliant addition to our midfield.”
The player’s future was initially at risk when failing to secure a transfer to Championship high-fliers Blackburn Rovers on deadline day. Director of football Gregg Broughton revealed Rovers experienced “internal and external” reasons that led to late submission, and the club appealed the decision in the hope of the move being ratified.
But the EFL rejected the bid as Rovers had not submitted all of the required paperwork in time.
The unfortunate outcome left O’Brien unable to feature for the remainder of the season, after Forest did not name him in their 25-man Premier League squad for the second half of the campaign.
But Rooney stepped in with the chance at a new chapter with the Black and Red in Major League Soccer. O’Brien will now join D.C United with one goal in 17 appearances under his belt. He stands as D.C.’s third Premier League addition in the last six months after striker Christian Benteke arrived last summer from Crystal Palace and Mateusz Klich joined this winter from Leeds United.
Under Rooney, D.C. United has seen a decent start to the 2023 campaign with four points in four games and a 1W-1L-1D record. After concluding the 2022 season in last place of the Eastern Conference, the head coach hopes the new additions will propel the team out of the bottom and into the playoffs.
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