Chelsea had the chance to extend their unbeaten Premier League run at Stamford Bridge against Everton to 28 games, but they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by the Merseyside outfit. The Blues started the game full of confidence and had the best of the early chances, but neither tested Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal. The Toffees, meanwhile, offered next to nothing going forward but, considering how tight things are at the bottom of the table, even a point would significantly boost their survival hopes.
Shortly after the break, Chelsea had the lead, when João Félix fired into the corner via the post from just outside the area. However, the Blues took their foot off the gas and the visitors equalised when Abdoulaye Doucouré got his head onto James Tarkowski’s effort at goal from a corner.
Everton (H). 📸 pic.twitter.com/ahxGMGpz0u
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 20, 2023
Chelsea restored their advantage with 15 minutes remaining when Reece James was felled in the penalty area by Tarkowski, leaving referee Darren England with an easy decision to point to the spot. Kai Havertz sent Pickford the wrong way and it seemed Chelsea were going to hold on to pick up all three points. But substitute Ellis Simms had other ideas, making a fool of Kalidou Koulibaly on his way to slotting past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The result sees Everton move two points clear of the relegation zone, while their opponents missed the chance to go within as many points of the top six. João Félix was the Man of the Match for his impressive performance, but it was Ellis Simms who stole the show late on, scoring a vital goal for his side.
