Mauricio Pochettino faces significant pressure today following Chelsea’s defeat to Everton once again away from home. Goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin in the second half ignited Goodison Park, marking the Blues’ second consecutive loss in the northwest within a short span.
Chelsea opted for a 4-3-3 formation to kick off the game, with Mykhailo Mudryk showing promise on the left side from the start. The Ukrainian relished the challenge of facing Premier League veteran Ashley Young.
Despite displaying a controlled style in the first half, Chelsea failed to threaten the Everton goal. Their gameplay, though subtle, carried a sense of command, a reassurance following events at Old Trafford just days earlier.
However, Chelsea faced setbacks as captain Reece James suffered another hamstring issue, forcing him off the field in the first half, adding to his injury woes.
While Chelsea exhibited some control, they struggled to convert their play into meaningful outcomes. Armando Broja led the attacking line well but often found himself isolated when in possession.
Mudryk posed a threat against Nathan Patterson and an injured Ashley Young. Although displaying promise on the wing, the 22-year-old struggled to deliver the decisive final pass, a recurring issue in his Chelsea career.
Cole Palmer showed promise but had a tendency to shoot excessively, halting Chelsea’s attacks. In comparison to Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez opted for more forward passes in midfield.
Chelsea seemed hesitant to commit too many players forward during counterattacks in the second half, resulting in Mudryk and Broja being frequently isolated in the final third, much to the visitors’ disappointment.
Everton seized the advantage early in the second half through Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal, shattering any momentum Chelsea had built. The atmosphere at Goodison Park erupted.
Dobbin sealed Everton’s victory in stoppage time, adding to the misery for Pochettino and Chelsea.
Despite a slight improvement from the dismal display against Manchester United, Chelsea supporters remain deeply concerned about the team’s current state.
Pochettino, Chelsea’s head coach, finds himself under immense pressure. While the club signals support for his long-term project, football’s nature is results-driven. Similar assurances were given during Graham Potter’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, but the outcomes were subpar.
Before the match, doubts loomed over Pochettino’s future. With Chelsea’s sixth Premier League loss this season, more questions arise about the direction of the team.
