Match Report: Chelsea 2-1 Everton

A thrilling final game for both Rafa Benitez and David Moyes respectively saw Chelsea rise above Everton to seal third place in the Barcalys Premier League. Chelsea’s player of the year opened the scoring on the seventh minute. However Chelsea’s lead was short-lived when minutes later Everton equalised through the Scotsman Stephen Naismith. Deep into the second half Spaniard Fernando Torres ensured all three points on the day us Chelsea fans wave farewell to a fellow Spaniard Mr Rafa Benitez.
It was a very open encounter straight from the first whistle and the first chance of the game fell to Demba Ba. Following a mix up between Jagielka and Distin the ball fell kindly at the feet of Ba, unfortunately his slip proved vital as the ball sailed over the bar.
Minutes later the blues did find themselves ahead. Chelsea’s little magician and player of the year Juan Mata was quick to react as Howard parried the ball into Mata’s path. 1-0 Chelsea, and a smile on Rafa’s face.
Only two minutes after conceding Everton came mighty close to equalising. Sheamus Cole,an the man whose earned a lot of praise from pundits and fans alike broke free on the right hand side before cleverly cutting the ball back to Naismith. Despite being in a brilliant position to score Naismith couldn’t manage to score from twelve yards out as the ball crept wide of the goal.
Eventually the former Rangers man did manage to break his 20 game goal drought. Anichebe played the ball into Naismith who clipped the ball over the head of Petr Cech. 1-1
It looked like Everton had doubled their advantage almost immediately after drawing level. Mitral las saw his cross cut out by Gary Cahil, however the ball fell kindly to Gisbon who’s shot hit the post.
Nathan Ake nearly celebrated his first premier league start with a goal. Ake’s instinctive shot nearly flew into the top of the net however the ball leapt up over the bar.
Chelsea’s were slightly dominating the game and they squandered yet another chance after an intelligent 1-2 between Lampard and Mata. Mata’s effort was beaten out by a strong hand from American Tim Howard.
On the 41st minute it was Everton’s turn to see themselves waste a good opportunity. Naismith turned provider as he intelligently picked out Piennar however he could only manage to hit is shot over the bar.
1-1 HT
The second half produced the same frantic entertainment as the first. There was a whole host of chances at the start of the second half but the best fell the way of Serbian Branislav Ivanovic, who of course iconically won Chelsea the Europa League. He was culprit of leaning back has his shot went way over the bar.
A fantastic piece of defending from Everton captain Phil Jagielka denied Cahil a goal and kept the score level.
Following a frantic period of chances the game eventually died down with the next chance Commg on the seventy fourth minute. Leighton Baines left Ivanovic for dead and played the ball across the box to the out of form Jelavic who somehow managed to miss from five yards out.
They were made to pay two minutes later when. El Niño scored with an absolute rocket. A beautiful cross from Oscar was expertly nodded to Torres by Victor Moses, and of course Torres was on hand to score Chelsea’s last goal of the 2012/13 season.
So here we are end of yet another season. We’re still the Champions of Europe for the next six days. I have to say a big thank you to Rafa Benitez you have proved me and many others wrong and you’ve done a fantastic job. Hope you’ve enjoyed this thrilling season! KTBFFH