Chelsea perhaps proved their manager Enzo Maresca right after a goalless draw against Everton halted their title charge at Goodison Park.
The Italian had consistently stated his side were not ready for a title race and, after fielding a strong side on Merseyside, his team struggled to trouble Sean Dyche’s relegation battlers with a blunt attacking performance.
Nicolas Jackson wasted two good chances in the first half as the Blues dominated, before Robert Sanchez was called into action to deny Orel Mangala and Jack Harrison.
The visitors huffed and puffed at the end, but had to settle for a point as they missed the chance to go top.
Express Sport assesses the Chelsea player ratings from Merseyside.
Robert Sanchez 8
The Spaniard made a crucial stop just before the break, getting down low to deny Mangala from range. Then he had to have his wits about him to make a really brave block on Jack Harrison in the second half. Wonder what Jamie Carragher will make of that performance, because he definitely earned his clean sheet.
Axel Disasi 6
Rumours persist that the Frenchman could leave next month, but for the most part, he did his job as a stand-in right-back. A silly spat with James Tarkowski nearly ruined his good work, mind. Booked.
Tosin Adarabioyo 8
Composed in possession, the centre-back was a calming presence and he’s slowly settling into his role in this Chelsea team. The centre-back then made a vital block on the line to deny Iliman Ndiaye.
Levi Colwill 6
Showed a willingness to get tight to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and not give him any space. But as tempers threatened to boil over, the centre-back nearly fell for Everton’s wind-up tactics and showed lapses of concentration.
Malo Gusto 6
Filling in for the suspended Marc Cucurella at left-back, the versatile defender was almost the furthest player forward at times. He covered a lot of ground without truly influencing the game and got caught out defensively before Sanchez saved his skin.
Moises Caicedo 6
One of his quieter displays after being in fine form this season, the Ecuadorian worked tirelessly to track runs from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Really finding his passing range with a more influential role in the centre of midfield. He was the starting point for most of what Chelsea created, especially in the second half, and had a few decent attempts find the target.
Pedro Neto 6
Some bright sparks from the Portuguese and on one occasion beat three defenders with his silky turns and close dribbling. But the £54m man didn’t create many opportunities and he still has only one Premier League goal since arriving from Wolves.
Cole Palmer 5
Broke free a couple of times early on but didn’t look as assured as he normally does when bearing down on goal. A strangely subdued afternoon from the playmaker and probably his worst in a Chelsea shirt.
Jadon Sancho 6
Initially struggled in an intense battle with Ashley Young down the left and the winger tried to be a little overelaborate in creating chances. Grew into the game in the second half and took on Young at will after he was booked.
Nicolas Jackson 5
Really should’ve buried a chance put for him on a plate by Palmer and then headed against the woodwork from two yards out. More like the Jackson of old, rather than the one who has nine goals this season.
Substitutes
Christopher Nkunku (on 76′) 6
Barely got a chance to impress and perhaps Maresca waited too long before bringing him on.
Noni Madueke (on 76′) 6
The winger failed to provide the spark Chelsea needed on the right.
