Soccer Premier League

Chelsea’s Defense Was the Foundation of Vital Win Over Everton

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Willian scores winning goal for Chelsea against Everton

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No team can play well every week, but if you are going to win the Premier League, then even when you are not at your best, winning regardless is essential. Chelsea did exactly that as they pulled out a dramatic late 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge today to maintain their seven-point gap at the top of the EPL table.

For a few weeks now, Chelsea have been searching to find their best form once again, and it was clear in this game that they are still a way off of finding it. The absences of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas do not help, but title winning teams must deal with everything that comes their way. Everton will claim they at least deserved a draw from the game, but you have to give Chelsea credit for doing what is necessary each and every week.

The Chelsea attack is looking slightly stagnant right now, but the one constant throughout everything seems to be their defense. Only Southampton have conceded less goals than the Blues this season, and with just two goals having gone into the Chelsea net in their last five games, it’s clear they’re on top of their game on that end of things at least.

The game with Everton was looking destined for a 0-0 draw as the clock ticked down, but then Willian popped up to score the winning goal in the 89th minute. The Brazilian’s shot deflected off of Everton’s Steven Naismith before finding it’s way over the line. The shot undoubtedly needed the help in order to find the back of the net, but when you keep clean sheets like Chelsea do, then you put yourself in position to benefit from any such luck.

There was another outstanding display from young Frenchman Kurt Zouma once again at center-back, and the rest of the back four were as reliable as they usually are. Nemanja Matic also put in a man of the match type display in the midfield, and overall Chelsea just continue to look very organized and steady.

The defense of the current EPL leaders will always give Jose Mourinho‘s men a chance against any team, on any day, no matter how they play. They can play horrifically and have just one shot in the whole game, but if they can keep a clean sheet, then a single goal is all that’s needed to secure a win. That’s exactly what happened against Everton. Despite not playing particularly well, and although the goal can be attributed to luck somewhat, the win certainly cannot.

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