'Big Match' Review ... A Case of the Blues
December 4th 2010 20:08
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
The Best in Footy Big Match this weekend in the Premier League, came from Stamford Bridge this afternoon, as Champions Chelsea, took on struggling Everton. This fixture had ended in a draw the previous four times, but this was a hugely important game, for both sides. Chelsea had taken just three points from five games going into it, and had lost top spot. Everton were languishing 15th in the table. All was to play for ...
In all honesty, the first half was a big let down, as my first ever pick for a 'big match', became the big dull. John Terry was making his return for the home side, and he came closest to breaking the deadlock after half an hour, hitting the crossbar. But the game's first moment of real incident, finally came on the stroke of half time.
Following a careless back pass from Toffees skipper Neville, Nicolas Anelka charged toward to Toffees penalty area, and after rounding keeper Tim Howard, was brought down. While the Chelsea fans were ecstatic to see the spot kick given, there was frustration that the American keeper only recieved a yellow card. Didier Drogba had gone seven Premier League matches without scoring, but cooly despatched the penalty, making it 1-0 at the break.
Despite their recent poor form, I fully expected Chelsea to be rejuvenated by that goal, and dominate the second half, but that wasn't to be. Usually you would never expect the Champions to throw away a lead at home, but this afternoon, there was almost a feeling of inevitability, that Everton would equalise. This nearly happened when teenager Jack Rodwell struck the post early in the second half.
Ashley Cole missed the home side's best chance to get back in front, and while still leading, the game was slipping away. If Chelsea could hold on for the 1-0, they would be back to the top of the Premier League, with Manchester United's game at Blackpool postponed. Maybe, just maybe, scraping the three points here, could reignite their season.
But it was Everton who ultimately got a result, which is sure to kick start their campaign. Substitute Jermain Beckford grabbed the equaliser with five minutes remaining, his second goal for the club. It finished 1-1, the fifth time in a row Everton have left Stamford Bridge with a point. Chelsea have now gained just four points from a possible eighteen, and slip to 3rd, only a point ahead of fourth placed Manchester City.
Here are my player ratings for this weekend's 'Big Match';
Chelsea
Cech 6
Bosingwa 7
Ivanovic 6
Terry 6
Cole 7
Essien 6
Mikel 6
Kalou 5
Drogba 5
Anelka 7
Chelsea's Star Man - Bosingwa. Finally fit after injury, looked solid at the back, and decent going forwards
Invisible Man - Drogba. Despite getting a goal, did nothing all game. Had he not been on penalty duty, would be getting slated.
Everton
Howard 5
Neville 4
Jagielka 8
Distin 7
Baines 8
Coleman 7
Fellaini 6
Rodwell 7
Pienaar 6
Cahill 7
Saha 7
Everton's Star Man - Baines. Close call between him and Jagielka. Continues to impress at left back, got to be in next England squad.
Daily Stinker - Phil Neville. Three words .. Shocking ... Back ... Pass. Goal almost completely his fault
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