Title contenders Chelsea endured a frustrating evening as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton, providing a significant boost to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are assured of retaining top spot at Christmas, regardless of their result against Tottenham later on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 GMT), after Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side failed to breach Everton’s resilient defense.
The match was played under challenging weather conditions, with swirling wind and rain, yet Chelsea created the better chances. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a key save to deny Nicolas Jackson after a slick team move, while Jackson later hit the post with a close-range header.
For Everton, Orel Mangala forced a full-stretch save from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez with a low shot from outside the box in their best chance of the first half.
Early in the second half, Jack Harrison squandered a golden opportunity to give Everton the lead, but Sanchez reacted well to block his tame effort.
Sean Dyche’s Everton fought hard and nearly snatched victory when Iliman Ndiaye found himself six yards from goal, only for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to make a crucial block. The result saw Chelsea leave Merseyside with just a point, a setback in their title ambitions.
Palmer shut out as winning run ends
Chelsea manager Maresca had previously downplayed discussions about his side being Premier League title contenders, and perhaps, on the evidence of this match, he had a point.
Although Maresca might have privately harbored different thoughts, his team saw their impressive eight-game winning streak across all competitions come to an end, severely denting their hopes of reclaiming the title for Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer, who had been a standout performer in their previous 6-0 victory over Everton, where he netted a brilliant hat-trick, was largely kept quiet this time around. He dragged an early shot wide and played a part in creating the chance that Jackson squandered.
Jackson, in turn, missed a free header that hit the post, while Pedro Neto’s long-range effort was comfortably dealt with by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Chelsea had been in strong form on the road, with 23 goals in eight away games, but their run of scoring in 15 consecutive league matches came to an abrupt halt here.