Mauricio Pochettino faces increasing pressure at Chelsea following another away defeat, this time against Everton. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin’s second-half goals secured a victory for the home side at Goodison Park, marking Chelsea’s second consecutive loss in the northwest.
The Blues initiated the game with a 4-3-3 formation, with Mykhailo Mudryk showing promise on the left side. Despite maintaining some control, Chelsea struggled to threaten Everton’s goal in the first half. Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, was substituted due to a leg problem, adding to his unfortunate string of injuries.
Armando Broja led the line for Chelsea, but the team faced difficulties converting opportunities into goals. Mudryk impressed on the wing but lacked the killer ball in the final third. Cole Palmer showed promise, but his excessive shooting hindered potential attacks.
In the second half, Chelsea seemed cautious in sending players forward during counterattacks, often relying on Mudryk and Broja in the final third. Doucoure’s early second-half goal shifted the game in Everton’s favor, erasing any advantage Chelsea thought they had.
In extra time, Lewis Dobbin secured Everton’s victory with a powerful goal, further intensifying the challenges for Pochettino and Chelsea. Despite an improved performance after their defeat to Manchester United, concerns linger among Chelsea fans.
Pochettino, as Chelsea’s head coach, faces scrutiny as the club strives to build a long-term project. While the club may support the Argentine coach, the importance of wins in football remains undeniable. With seven Premier League losses this season, doubts about Pochettino’s future have grown among fans, underscoring the urgency for positive results to alleviate mounting pressure.