Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Under tremendous pressure after Sean Dyche-less Burnley recorded an unfathomable come-from-behind 2-1 victory at fellow strugglers Watford; Everton recorded a cathartic 1-0 victory over European champions Chelsea on a smoke-filled afternoon at Goodison Park.

Chelsea have shown some signs of tension in recent weeks; and unfortunately for them; the signs were all too plain to see; after they crumbled to another disappointing defeat that was much shocking as it was painful. With the fans roaring them on in a pre-match parade; the effects seemed to be translated on to the pitch; as Everton displayed a verve and swagger that has been sorely missing this season.

The more Yerry Mina rattled Kai Havertz; the more the tide seemed to swing to Everton's favour. The more it became a war; the more it suited the home side. Chelsea are not quite used to this; and unfortunately for manager Thomas Tuchel; his men seemed to lose the plot.

When captain Cesar Azpilicueta uncharacteristically lost possession to a rampaging Richarlison on the edge of his own area; it seemed symptomatic of how Chelsea were losing control of the game. He had the audacity to foul Demarai Gray just outside the box; but it was the Brazilian striker Richarlison who slotted the ball home to deal the decisive blow.

Chelsea tried their best to retaliate; but even though they dominated possession amidst 7 minutes of stoppage time; they never looked likely to equalize; even though Mason Mount hit both posts in an extraordinary sequence; and Azpilicueta forced Jordan Pickford into perhaps the save of the season on the reactionary follow-up. The England No. 1 further burnished his credentials with another top save from an Antonio Rudiger near-range volley.