Chelsea successfully navigated their way past a tricky trip to Goodison to keep it mildly interesting then. Essien’s goal enough to seal the win with Moyes’ men again struggling for the creative spark to mount a serious goal threat. Oh how the Yak is suffering. Here’s my notes on last night’s events.
No real surprises in either lineup. Yobo returned for Everton after sitting out the trip to Birmingham. That meant that Baines dropped to the bench once again – what a bitty season the lad has had. Lescott shifted to left-back as per usual then. In midfield Everton were once more without Osman and Arteta and therefore pretty much devoid of creativity. Pienaar was passed fit and he started with Carsley, Neville and Fernandes.
Grant was without Drogba who is nursing a knee injury and Lampard, who is still absent due to family illness. These were expected, although the absence of Ballack was less anticipated. He has suffered a hamstring injury in training on Wednesday and, along with the other pair, is a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League semi first leg with Liverpool.
With these three out then, Grant went with Obi, Wright-Phillips, Essien and Joe Cole in midfield. Ferreira and Ashley Cole returned as Avram continued his annoying full-back shuffle. Carvalho came back into defence after being rested against Wigan on Monday. Anelka continued up front – he has now gone six starts without a Premiership goal.
The victory for Chelsea has potential repercussions for fantasy managers in that it hands Liverpool further breathing space in the race for fourth place. With a five point gap and a game in hand, Rafa will now surely be safe in rotating his troops at Craven Cottage at the weekend. That could very well disappoint Gerrard and Torres owners.
Chelsea’s injuries meanwhile, are apparently serious enough to cast doubt over the fitness of Drogba and Ballack for both legs of the Champions League semi. That therefore means that both are doubts for next weekend’s crunch encounter with United at Old Trafford.
As for Everton. They are on a miserable run. It’s just a single goal in seven Premiership starts for Yakubu – indeed Everton have scored just four goals in those seven games, keeping two clean sheets. Pretty dismal. With Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle to come – owners of their players that remain fit, should be fidgeting rather awkwardly.