Chelsea – Everton: Kai And Company Cruise Past Everton (2-0)
Facing off with a direct rival to their top-four aspirations, Chelsea looked to carry on their hot streak in a crucial matchup. But it turned out they had little to fear. Thanks to their usual stable platform and a new role for one of their big summer signings, the home team coasted to another win.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Chelsea have steadily stabilized under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. Conceding only two goals from eight league games in his tenure, he has managed to tighten the side's rearguard. And yet to lose in this time, results have dragged them into the top four. Sitting a point clear of their guests, they now looked to pull away from the chasing pack.
Though Everton lie in fifth, their season has been one of stilted progress. As structural imbalances, tactical tinkering and injuries have resulted in inconsistencies in results, the flying start they made to the campaign seems a world away. But having won three a row before this match, the visitors were in the mood to upset the odds.
Tuchel continued to use a 3-4-2-1 formation. He also made five changes to the team that started the game against Liverpool. Mateo Kovačić came back into the midfield duo next to Jorginho, while Kai Havertz was handed his first start in the league since Tuchel took charge.
Carlo Ancelotti set up the away team in an asymmetric 5-2-1-2 shape off of the ball. There were only two changes to the team that played in their last game against West Brom . . .
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