Chelsea 3 Everton 3
by Amar Azam
at Stamford Bridge

CHELSEA manager Guus Hiddink remains unbeaten in his second spell at the club as he looks to stabilise a side that lost its way under former manager Jose Mourinho.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the Stamford Bridge faithful celebrated John Terry’s 98th-minute equalising goal, after his Chelsea side came from behind twice to secure a draw against Everton.

With every game unbeaten under the Dutchman — Chelsea are now seven matches without defeat — they have slowly edged away from the relegation zone. Their interim manager, in post until the end of the season at the very least, is pleased with their progress.

“We’re not on the track where we want to be,” said Hiddink. “The squad is reacting to every negative situation, so that’s a plus. But of course, we need to be better.

“We are on an unbeaten run of games, which is OK, but we’d like to make the next step.”

Ramiro Funes Mori’s 90th-minute strike looked to have clinched the victory for an Everton side that had taken a two-goal lead before being pegged back.

However, referee Mike Jones indicated a minimum of seven minutes injury time would be played, offering a lifeline to the south London Blues.

Terry’s goal came in the eighth minute of stoppage time and looked suspiciously offside. Even Hiddink sheepishly admitted that he thought it should have been ruled out.

The first half of the match was poor, but the game exploded into life after the interval.

Everton looked to have sealed things when they went ahead thanks to captain Terry as he turned the ball into his own net in the 56th minute and then shortly after doubled their lead when Kevin Mirallas’s fine shot flew beyond Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois.

But Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas — last year’s heroes — hauled Chelsea back into the match with two goals in as many minutes, to set-up a grandstand finish to the match.

To the delight of the away fans Funes Mori’s close range finish put the visitors ahead again before Terry atoned for his early error, breaking Everton hearts in the process. Manager Roberto Martinez refused to hold back at the end of the match.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said a clearly frustrated Martinez, who fumed about Terry’s obvious offside position for the winner and the length of injury time.

“Maybe refs need a bit of help. But to have a player two yards off in the box is unacceptable.

“There is no explanation. It’s a big, big error. It’s not good enough.”