[Player Ratings] Everton 1-0 Chelsea: Blues Come Unstuck Against Toffees

Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the Premier League in a 1-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday evening. A solitary goal from Steven Naismith seconds before half-time was enough to condemn Chelsea to defeat. The Scottish international rose unmarked in the penalty area after Nikica Jelavic had returned a Leon Osman cross.

Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the second half but failed to carve out any significant attempts on goal. Before the goal Chelsea should have been in front after Tim Howard had carelessly given possession to Andre Schurrle who squared for debutant Samuel Eto’o. Despite an open goal, Gareth Barry – making his Everton debut – kept the score level with a last-ditch tackle that deflected the ball over.

Eto’o had gone close with a header earlier on and Schurrle went close to equalising in the second half with a delicate chip but Jose Mourniho’s men could not make possession count and so continues their patchy record at Goodison Park.

Both Chelsea and Everton had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season before Saturday’s evening kick-off, although Roberto Martinez had yet to register a league victory in charge of the Toffees. But it was the blue of Merseyside left celebrating at the final whistle, who picked up their first three points of the season, and remain unbeaten in the league; a record they share with local rivals Liverpool.

Here are ratings for Jose Mourinho’s men:

Chelsea

Cech- 6- was reliable when called upon. Left to look silly for the goal by David Luiz who should have been marking Naismith. Palmed away a threatening Mirallas effort in the second half.

Cole- 6- lacked his usual attacking presence but was mainly reliable in his defensive duties.

David Luiz- 5- the Brazilian doesn’t need an excuse to attack and he drove his team forward from the back at times. But the defender was drawn out to the ball and failed to return in time to prevent Naismith heading the winner.

Terry- 7- barely put a foot wrong. Enjoyed a solid game but could not inspire his team to a fight-back.

Ivanovich- 7- another consistent display from the Serb. Supported his team in attack and always looked a threat from set-pieces. Received a yellow card for an unnecessary hand-ball.

Ramires- 6- impressed in the first half with some surging and powerful runs forward. Went close to scoring with a shot that he did well to get out of his feet when it was tight. Influence waned as the game went on.

Mikel- 5- lost possession in the middle of the park which then led to Everton’s goal. Committed a couple of clumsy fouls in the second half in dangerous positions when Chelsea needed the ball at the other end of the pitch.

Schurrle- 6- kept himself busy and did well to put Howard under pressure before intercepting his pass. Should have done better when through on goal in the second half, deciding to chip Howard when an assured side-foot may have been better.

Mata- 5- a rare start for the Spaniard under Mourinho started brightly, causing Everton problems with his incisive passing and tidy control. But his influence dwindled and he was quickly subbed.

Hazard- 4- the Belgian seems to have extremely good games or terribly bad ones: this was more the latter. Was too often a passenger in a side that cried out for a moment of inspirational genius; a quality we all know the winger possesses.

Eto’o- 6- Chelsea’s newest recruit went close to opening his account on two occasions in the first half but the former Cameroon international looked a yard off the pace of play. Should be a quality addition once brought up to speed.

Subs

Oscar- 5- almost made an immediate impact as he sought to run through two Everton players. The play-maker took a tumble under pressure but ref Howard Webb saw no penalty despite his appeals.

Lampard- 5- should really have started in place of Mikel. Lampard has a good goal-scoring record against the Toffees and he nearly broke through the middle when he came on but couldn’t quite control the pass. Had little effect on the game.

Torres- 3- may as well have not bothered coming on. Passes were wayward, his touch was heavy and he did little to make his presence felt when Chelsea were desperate for a goal. Mourinho may well have loaned out the wrong striker.

Chelsea’s Man of the Match- Ivanovich- says much about the performance that a defender wins this week’s award. Strong, assured and made contributions in attack.

Tell us your thoughts on Chelsea’s first loss of the season. Did Mourinho pick the wrong team? Should Oscar have been awarded a penalty in the second half? What did you make of Samuel Eto’o’s debut? Was it a bad miss or was it a brilliant saving tackle from Gareth Barry? Please leave you comments below…