Everton’s desperate December has so far turned out to be completely different from the less-than-great expectations the dreadfully difficult fixture schedule had hinted at.
Despite the 4-0 mauling by Manchester United on the first day of the month, the two matches since have yielded four very valuable points.
The victory against Wolves at Goodison, directly after the Old Trafford debacle, could hardly have been more emphatic. Given the standard of opposition, it might be worthwhile not getting too carried away with the result, but it is always worth remembering that you only get three points for whoever you beat.
Saturday’s unexpected but very welcome point from the 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium points to the significant improvement in Everton’s defending in the past month or so. Four clean sheets from the past five Premier League matches has an impressive and important feel.
The lack of goals scored at the other end remains problematic. But there was a renewed sense of conviction about their attacking against Wolves and that will need to continue if they are to trouble much-improved Chelsea when they come to Goodison Park on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca has done an incredible job at Stamford Bridge so far. Given the quality and depth of the squad and the amount of money spent, perhaps we should not be too surprised.
However, getting the best from the wonderfully gifted group of players at Chelsea also owes much to how he has pruned an unnecessarily bloated squad. They have plenty of potential match winners in their squad, not least Cole Palmer, possibly the Premier League’s stand-out player over the past 18 months.
Sean Dyche knows the size of the task and Everton will need a performance full of energy and endeavour to have any hope of success. However, they do have a really good recent record against Chelsea at Goodison Park and that will be an obvious reference point for the players.
If Dwight McNeil is able to overcome his knee injury, he will add more guile and invention to their attack. Orel Mangala has done more than enough to justify his place in the team in recent matches. Dyche should therefore resist the temptation to move Abdoulaye Doucoure to a deeper role at Mangala’s expense if McNeil is fit.
If there is a vulnerability at Chelsea, then it is in the heart of defence. They lack a really commanding central defender and the manager is still searching for his best combination. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez often makes poor decisions can lead to opponents being gifted clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.
This match represents another tall order but it is a challenge Dyche and his players will be keen take on.
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