Chelsea missed the chance to beat Liverpool at the top of the Premier League as Everton drew 0-0.
Enzo Maresca's side knew a win at Goodison Park would take them top ahead of Tottenham against Liverpool later on Sunday, but they were frustrated by a stoic defensive display from the Toffees.
Nicolas Jackson squandered two big chances in the first half as he was thwarted by Jordan Pickford and then the woodwork.
Despite all of Chelsea's possession, Everton had the best two chances after the break but Jack Harrison botched his lines when one-on-one with Robert Sanchez before Tosin Adarabioyo made a fantastic block to deny Iliman Ndiaye.
The draw leaves Chelsea in second place, although Liverpool can now extend their lead at the top to four points heading into Christmas.
Everton, unbeaten in three games, are now fifteenth, four points ahead of the bottom three.
FT. The points are shared at Goodison.
[0-0] #EVECHE pic.twitter.com/kANylXwQh7
— Everton (@Everton) December 22, 2024
Data Debrief: Solid in the back, but flaky in attack
Since the start of October, Everton have kept seven clean sheets in the Premier League, the most of any team in the five major European leagues. The Toffees have kept five clean sheets in their last six league matches, as well as snapping Chelsea's 15-game scoring streak in the top flight.
Yet it is a double-edged sword for the Toffees as their latest goalless performance means they have not scored in nine league games this season, the most of any side in the division, and the lack of composure up front has been evident. when Harrison had a big chance early in the second half.
Chelsea saw a five-match winning run in the league come to an end and despite all their attacking talent, the Blues mustered just 0.77 expected goals, the lowest in any of their 17 Premier League games this season and the fourth lowest xG overall by a team that has had more than 12 shots this season.
Everton – who are under new ownership following the takeover of The Friedkin Group – finished with just 0.39 expected goals, although Sean Dyche may feel his team were unlucky not to pick up an upset victory.
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