Half-time: Chelsea 0 Everton 0
Both defences emerged on top in a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge.
Willian had the best chance, latching on to a ball played into the right channel before seeing his shot saved by Everton keeper Tim Howard.
Ross Barkley twice had shots blocked – once by John Terry, another by Kurt Zouma – and the second one dropped to Bryan Oviedo, but he sidefooted just wide.
Everton forced Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois into his first save a few minutes before the break.
A burst of pace from Kevin Mirallas took him away from the Chelsea midfield and his low shot was palmed behind by the Belgian.
John Stones and Phil Jagielka have enjoyed the better of their battle with Chelsea’s Diego Costa, while Pedro – who retained his place despite being taken off against West Brom on Wednesday – struggled again.
At the other end, Zouma has been terrific at the heart of the Blues defence, making several timely tackles and interceptions.
Subs: Begovic, Baba, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Oscar, Remy.
Everton: Howard; Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Oviedo; Besic, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Funes Mori, Cleverley, Osman, Deulofeu, Pienaar, Kone.
