Brazilian star Richarlison scored a crucial second-half winner as Everton beat Chelsea to move within two points of the Premier League safety zone. The Brazilian forward was gifted the chance as Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta dallied on the ball, allowing him to steal in and finish calmly.
The game ended goalless in the first 45 minutes of play. Everton did well to hold Chelsea’s pressure as Mason Mount hit both posts with a 20-yard strike before Everton keeper Jordan Pickford brilliantly kept out Azpilicueta’s follow-up shot. The win moves the Toffees to within two points of Burnley in 16th and Leeds in 17th, with a game in hand on both.
The victory was vital, reducing the gap behind Leeds and Burnley, with the Toffees having a game in hand on their relegation rivals. Chelsea, meanwhile, will rue the fact they could not turn their possession into goals, with their preparations hampered by fireworks being set off during the night outside their hotel. They have failed to win their last two matches, they drew against Manchester United on Thursday and now they lose to Everton.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel said they had not affected his team’s preparations, but Arsenal can now climb to within three points of them if they win at West Ham United.