Stubborn Everton Extinguish Chelsea's Treble Hopes

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Didier Drogba rattled the bar as this stalemate reached its conclusion, but a late Chelsea winner would have been very harsh on Everton, who defended stoutly and could have snatched three points from this FA Cup dress rehearsal but for some wasteful finishing.

This result all but ends the Blues’ hopes of securing an unlikely fourth league title, leaving them to focus on the Champions League and FA Cup.

After his side’s cup exploits at the weekend, Everton boss David Moyes made a number of changes from the side that knocked Manchester United 4-2 on penalties. Guus Hiddink, meanwhile, stuck with the same side that defeated Arsenal.

There appeared to be no tired legs from the home team as they dominated possession, but despite this it was Everton who had the best chances, and in particular their Brazilian striker Jo.

The lanky forward had two good chances in the first period, but shot straight at Cech and then fluffed his shot when played into a good position.

Chelsea’s best chances came via long-range shots from Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, but Tim Howard remained untroubled in the Toffees goal.

Moyes’ side also had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Alex stretched out his leg and brought down Leighton Baines.

Chelsea stepped up the pressure in the second half, but just like during the first 45 minutes of play, they couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Everton defence and were constantly frustrated.

John Terry stung the palms of Howard with a rasping 40-yard shot, and then Jo had another chance, but again he wasted it, firing over the bar.

Then came two Chelsea chances in quick succession. First, Lampard saw his shot blocked in the area and soon afterwards Salomon Kalou headed over.

Everton remained a threat on the counter attack and both Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar had efforts on goal that caused Petr Cech some concern.

Drogba had had a quiet game, but sprung into life when he controlled a ball into the box, turned, and smashed a shot against the bar.

Groans of despair echoed around Stamford Bridge as that chance, and perhaps Chelsea’s hopes of winning the Premier League, slipped away for another season.

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