Everton0 - 0Chelsea

The Blues went into the Premier League clash at Goodison Park looking for the victory that would have taken them top of the Premier League table.

However, having squandered a number of chances during the first half of Merseyside, Chelsea were reliant on their defence battling their way to a rare clean sheet after the break.

Failing to overcome the struggling Toffees only keeps Chelsea two points clear of Arsenal, as well as the West Londoners missing an opportunity to strengthen their challenge to leaders Liverpool.

What did Maresca have to say?

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Maresca suggested that he was delighted with what was ultimately a scrappy point against a team who also earned the same result at Arsenal last weekend.

Furthermore, the Italian took pride in the defensive aspect of his team's performance, claiming that the share of the spoils was more rewarding than the narrow triumph over Brentford seven days ago.

He said, as quoted by football.london: "I'm absolutely happy. I just said to the players that I am more happy today than the Brentford game. The reason why is because I was quite worried about today's game; a tricky game, a tricky stadium, a tricky team.

"They are defensively top. They are one of the five best teams in Europe in terms of clean sheets. You struggle to create chances against them and it was not an easy game.

"You have to deal and you have to learn to play different games; long balls, second balls, set-pieces. Football is not just what we do on the ball, it is also how you defend and deal with that.

"Like I said, more happy today than the Brentford game. For sure, prepared the game like always to try and win the game but sometimes there is also another team there that tries to do the same, so we are happy today."

Although Chelsea missed out on extending their Premier League winning streak to six matches, it was the first time since September 21 that they have recorded a top-flight clean sheet on their travels.

Furthermore, their only defeat in 16 Premier League matches came by a 2-1 scoreline at Liverpool, Chelsea having since gone nine matches unbeaten.

Chelsea are next in action when they play host to Fulham on Boxing Day.

Written by

Darren Plant