MAURIZIO SARRI’S Chelsea were left frustrated as a resilient Everton side held them to this goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.
 
Chelsea, who preserved their unbeaten record, looked below-par in a match where few noteworthy opportunities came their way. Their manager was left ruing a slow start from his players for the second week running.
 
“I didn’t like the first 25 mins,” said the Chelsea boss. “Like in the match against Crystal Palace, we started moving the ball very slow.
 
“It was impossible for us to be dangerous. I don’t think it’s a physical problem. In the second half we played at another intensity. Maybe it’s a mental problem.”
 
He added: “I am not happy, of course. But I think we are in the right way.”
 
The first chance of the match fell to the hosts when Marcos Alonso nearly opened the scoring late on in the first half. His superb volleyed effort was saved by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. However, there were few other chances to break the deadlock.
 
The second half began brightly as both sides pushed for the opening goal.
 
Marco Silva’s men showed more attacking intent than they had in the first half.
 
The home side nearly took the lead moments after the interval. However, it took another save from the brilliant Pickford to deny Chelsea. This time it was Spanish forward Alvaro Morata who was denied by the Everton stopper.
 
Shortly after, Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson found space before firing a powerful shot at Chelsea’s goal. Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga was alert to the danger and palmed away the goalbound effort. The visitors remained a threat.
 
As the second half drifted on, Sarri brought on Cesc Fabregas and Pedro in a bid to breach Everton’s back line. Former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley was to join them too.
 
Eden Hazard, who had a quiet match by his standards, had a chance on 74 minutes after being played in by Mateo Kovacic. However, the Belgian playmaker’s effort sailed just wide of Pickford’s goal.
 
However, with the teams unable to find the breakthrough, they were left to share the points.
 
Everton boss Silva spoke positively about his side’s performance and was happy that his side were able to withstand the Chelsea attacks.
 
He said: “I think we deserved the point. We showed good organisation, especially in the first half. We didn’t give them many chances. We knew how difficult it would be to play against them.”
 
Chelsea face stern opposition in London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their next match after the international break. Everton will host Cardiff City.