“From that point of view” – ESPN pundit details why Maresca should be happy with Everton performance | OneFootball

Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol believes Enzo Maresca should be happy with Chelsea’s performance against Everton on Sunday.

The Blues were held to a goalless draw on their final trip to Goodison Park and were frustrated by the hosts, who made it very difficult for them.

The result meant Liverpool extended their lead over the Blues to four points, whilst Arsenal closed the gap on their rivals to two points.

Nicol explains why Maresca should be happy with Everton performance

It could have been different for Chelsea had Nicolas Jackson not been guilty of missing two big chances in the first half, one which hit the post, but other than that the attack wasn’t firing on all cylinders.

Everton defended really well and made it hard for the Blues, with Cole Palmer having a quiet afternoon, and Maresca’s men struggled to create many chances.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea at Goodison Park. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

However, they could have been returning to London empty handed if Robert Sanchez hadn’t made a couple of very good saves, whilst Tosin Adarabioyo produced a superb goal denying block in the second half.

Maresca insisted after the game he was actually happier than after the win against Brentford, and with Chelsea not at their best it was really important not to lose.

Chelsea will of course be disappointed they didn’t win, but Nicol believes Maresca can be happy with what he saw from his team.

“You’re asking for a different type of performance at Goodison with the weather against a team that relies on strength, just physical strength, that’s what Everton rely on, and they stood up to it,” he told ESPN.

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“And so from that point of view, if you’re Maresca, then you are pleased. So not only can you play football and win games, but you can actually be physically strong against a big strong team and pick up points.”

The Blues will be hoping to return to winning ways against Fulham on Boxing Day, before rounding out the year with a trip to Ipswich on December 30th.