Enzo Fernandez Shines but Defensive Lapse Costs Chelsea in 2-2 Draw Against Everton

Enzo Fernandez Shines but Defensive Lapse Costs Chelsea in 2-2 Draw Against Everton

Chelsea’s successful £34m revival came to a harsh end, and Enzo Fernandez managed to amaze fans once more.

Despite the disappointing 2-2 draw with Everton, things are not all negative for Chelsea. It’s important to have some perspective and avoid overreacting during the upcoming two-week international break.

Before the match, Chelsea had won three consecutive games across all competitions and were heavily favored to make it four.

Although they dominated the first half at Stamford Bridge, they were unable to score. However, they quickly broke the deadlock in the second half thanks to Joao Felix’s goal, which was well-deserved after his strong first-half performance.

This goal could give Felix the momentum he needs to add more goals to his tally for the remainder of the season at Chelsea.

However, Everton managed to equalize from a corner, which was expected, with Abdoulaye Doucoure scoring a header past Kepa Arrizabalaga, who once again failed to defend properly from a set-piece. Nevertheless, Chelsea remained undeterred and Kai Havertz quickly scored from the penalty spot to give the home team the lead again in London.

Graham Potter, Brighton’s manager, made four very defensive substitutions, which were heavily criticized on social media, and it appeared that his team would be able to hold on for the win. However, in the second half, Ellis Simms, who came on as a substitute for Everton, produced a moment of brilliance that ensured both teams shared the points at Stamford Bridge.

However, Ellis Simms’ moment of brilliance was aided by a significant mistake from Kalidou Koulibaly. Despite recently demonstrating some impressive performances that allowed him to kickstart his Chelsea career after a slow start, the 31-year-old center-back made a critical error during the game.

Koulibaly began the match strongly, showing composure and aggression, which were characteristics he had displayed in previous games. However, when he faced Simms one-on-one, he was too hasty, allowing the Everton striker to slip past him with relative ease and score a goal past Kepa, who again seemed uncomfortable conceding a goal.

Koulibaly’s poor defensive awareness ultimately led to Chelsea’s downfall in the game. However, the team’s pressing in the first half was impressive, causing Everton to lose the ball on several occasions.

Despite the draw, there were many positives to take from the match, and Enzo Fernandez’s performance was particularly outstanding. Since joining Chelsea for £106million less than two months ago, the 22-year-old Argentine has shown remarkable consistency, adapting effortlessly to a new country, teammates, and league.

Fernandez dominated the game once again, whether playing from a deep position or attacking with his teammates. His ability to find Havertz on the right-hand side, who then played a one-two before Fernandez flicked it to Felix for the opening goal, drew audible approval from the Stamford Bridge crowd. His switch to Ben Chilwell, whose cross caused havoc in the Everton box, was also sublime. Fernandez is an aesthetically pleasing footballer to watch and a valuable asset to the Blues.

Although it is disappointing to end March with a draw, Chelsea’s players appear to be on the verge of something great. The team looks ready to explode in a positive way, and fans should keep this in mind during the two-week international break before the Blues’ next game.