Everton v Chelsea player ratings

Chelsea contrived to lose a third league match in four as they lost against Everton despite dominating for long periods. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 5

He could not be faulted for the Richarlison goal and made a couple of decent stops, but was far from convincing with ball at feet – a trend which culminated with his dreadful pass for Everton’s third goal.

Reece James: 7

James continues to look the part in both defence and attack, playing like a seasoned veteran rather than a rookie in his first season in the Premier League. Composed, confident and powerful.

Andreas Christensen: 6

The Dane was left exposed in a two-against-one for the first goal and was blameless for the subsequent two. He was typically classy with ball at his feet and was close to scoring his first Blues goal with a rasping second-half strike that was narrowly wide.

Kurt Zouma: 5

Dragged out of position for Everton’s first-half goal, and although that was understandable he showed a lack of awareness to drop back in when the play developed. Needs to show greater initiative in most aspects of his game to be the commanding centre-back Chelsea require.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 5

Chelsea’s skipper has to do better in big moments. He was too weak for the third goal as he tried to rectify Kepa’s howler and was always troubled by the home side’s pace on the break.

Mateo Kovacic: 8

Chelsea standout’s player. Kovacic was super confident in possession, often in very tight spaces, dictated the play, broke up numerous attacks, scored a fine goal and almost had a second. He was, however, lucky to get away with one sloppy moment in his own box.

N’Golo Kante: 7

Kante also shone alongside Kovacic as Chelsea dominated the ball. One brilliant run in behind should have led to a goal for Mason Mount. He also made several important defensive blocks and tackles.

Mason Mount: 6

Industrious and astute in his running, but very little broke for Mount in the final third or in front of goal. He should have done better with the chance created for him by Kante

Christian Pulisic: 7

The American played with a touch of class and elegance and could so easily have laid on a goal or two with his ability to go from a standing start to full on sprint in a matter of moments. He was constantly fouled and should have been given greater protection by a referee reluctant to caution players.

Willian: 6

Did plenty of good work running from deep, creating space and opportunities but he still frustrates far too often in the final third, regularly picking the wrong pass and/or executing it badly. Willian has a lack of instinct in front of goal and it shows.

Tammy Abraham: 6

He was very unlucky not to open the scoring with a near-post flick from a Willian cross and had a steady game notable for some impressive hold-up play.

Callum Hudson Odoi: 6

Given half an hour to change things, he was unable to alter the course of the match and didn’t make the most of several promising situations.

Michy Batshuayi: 6

Had little time to make an impression, and barely saw the ball.