The Blues were off the pace on Merseyside as we lost our first game on the road since mid-January, a run of 14 undefeated, with Richarlison’s strike early in the second half the only goal of a tense match.

Mason Mount came closest for the visitors with a sweet effort on the half-volley that bounced back off both posts before Jordan Pickford saved improbably from Cesar Azpilicueta on the rebound.

The England goalkeeper then thwarted Antonio Rudiger shortly afterwards and Mateo Kovacic late in the contest to preserve a precious three points for the Toffees and force a first Chelsea blank in the Premier League since that 1-0 loss at Manchester City. It also ensured that we were beaten for the fourth consecutive game at Goodison Park.

Premium chances

Despite registering almost twice as many efforts on goal as the hosts (17 to nine), it was Frank Lampard’s side that finished with a better expected goals figure of 1.9, indicating that Everton were able to conjure the more clear-cut opportunities from their limited forays forward.

Once again, those endeavours were aided by individual errors costing the Blues, not for the first time in recent weeks, as Thomas Tuchel has highlighted. Azpilicueta was caught in possession by Richarlison and the Brazilian swiftly found the finish to send Goodison Park into delirium.

When the Toffees’ rearguard was breached, Pickford was on hand with five saves throughout the 90 minutes to claim a much-needed clean sheet. His smart reflexes and quick footwork were crucial in keeping out Azpilicueta and Rudiger, the latter stopped unconventionally but effectively by the keeper's face.

Shape-shifting struggles

One feature of recent Chelsea defeats – this was our fourth in nine matches – has been the struggles up against opponents who match our three-man central defence.

Three of those four losses, against Brentford, Arsenal and now Everton, have been inflicted by coaches tweaking their system, often deploying a deep five-man backline as the Toffees did here. Everton sacrificed width for solidity and structure, with the wing-backs more cautious and the attacking thrust coming through the middle.

Tuchel’s side were unable to break through despite having 78 per cent possession and completing over five times as many passes. While the boss was right in his assessment that we had gifted our opponents the sucker-punch they craved once again, our inability to fashion presentable openings will also have been a big frustration on the journey back to the capital.

Making an impact

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mount were the standout performers for the visitors, with the former deployed in central midfield and catching the eye with a few lung-busting drives forward into space.

No player completed more dribbles (three) or won more aerial duels (three), while only Thiago Silva and Rudiger registered more than his 71 successful passes, with a completion rate of 93 per cent.

Among his defensive duties, the 26-year-old made four tackles and two interceptions as he also shielded the defence when Everton did venture forward.

Prior to his half-time withdrawal, midfield partner Jorginho had looked combative, winning more duels (eight) and making more tackles (five) than any other player in the first 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, Mount provided much of our creative spark in the final third, not only going closest to scoring with an effort that twice hit the frame of the goal, but also with three key passes (a joint game-high figure with Marcos Alonso) and two successful take-ons.

Yet the man with 10 more goal contributions than any other Chelsea player this season could not conjure a way through and the Blues were left to rue another disappointing day on the blue side of Stanley Park.