Match Report: Everton 1-0 Chelsea

A combination of brilliant defending from Everton and wastefulness ensured Jose Mourinho’s first defeat since returning as Chelsea manager! Chelsea had no shortage of opportunities managing twenty shot’s, however a mix of Everton’s resolute defending and unlucky was enough to see Everton claim a 1-0 win.
Chelsea dominated the majority of the first half, entertaining the away supporters with a flurry of chances. Samuel Eto’o nearly managed to start his Chelsea career in the best possible fashion. The Cameroon international found himself squeezed between two defenders and he managed to divert Ramires’ cross goal wards, unfortunately the ball just went over the bar.
The best opportunity of the first half fell the way of Eto’o. Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard gifted Chelsea a chance as he passed the ball straight to Andre Schurrle. Composed, the German international decided to lay the ball to Eto’o who was denied a certain goal by the rushing Gareth Barry who did brilliantly to prevent a goal.
Birthday Boy Steven Naismith managed to give Everton the lead moments before the close of the first half. Leon Osman played an inviting ball to the far post, which was cleverly nodded back by Jelavic. Naismith was on hand just to put the ball into the back of the net.
HT: 1-0 Everton
Only 45 seconds after the start of the second half Chelsea nearly equalised. Beautiful interchange between Ramires and Schurrle saw the German one on one with Tim Howard, Schurrle attempted to loft the ball over the head of the goalkeeper. Disappointment came when he saw the ball hit the side-netting.
Minutes later the blues had yet another chance to score. Belgian Eden Hazard unleashed a shot which was to powerful for Howard to hold, the ball bounced out to Eto’o who dragged the ball wide with his left-foot.
On the 58th minute manger Jose Mourihno saw the need to change as he introduced Oscar and Frank Lampard who replaced Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle. Oscar almost had an immediate impact as be was deemed to be brought down by Frenchman Silvan Distin. Howard Webb waved away the protest much to the disappointment of the Brazillian.
Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure, trying as hard as they could to test Howard in the Everton goal. With just twenty minutes to go Ashley Cole was surprisingly replaced by Fernando Torres.
As the clock ticked on, Chelsea seemed to be growing in frustration. Every 50/50 was going the way of the Evertonians.
With only a minute go it looked like that Everton had doubled their lead and guaranteed a victory. Leighton Baines saw his almost perfect free-kick hit the woodwork.
The game ended 1-0.