Jordan Pickford was on top of his game as Chelsea were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home to Everton on Sunday.
The England goalkeeper was Everton’s star performer with a string of excellent stops as denying Chelsea the chance to battle for top spot of the Premier League with Manchester City.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Maurizio Sarri, who has now set a new managerial record for the best unbeaten run from the start of a Premier League career with 12, with Marcos Alonso hitting the post before Alvaro Morata had a goal disallowed for offside as Everton held firm to halt Chelsea’s five-match winning run in all competitions.
Everton’s winless run in the top flight at Chelsea stretches to 24, but Marco Silva’s men have now been beaten just once in six league outings.
The visitors might have been ahead early on had Andre Gomes kept a header down, while Bernard went close on the half-volley.
Chelsea crafted their first opening in the 40th minute – Pickford pulling off an instinctive save to keep out Alonso’s wicked volley.
Pickford was called into action again after the restart, diving to his right to deny Morata.
Everton responded well, Theo Walcott’s poor touch letting Chelsea off the hook before Gylfi Sigurdsson forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a fine save.
Pickford was at his best again soon after, making two fantastic stops from a pair of Eden Hazard attempts, although Everton’s goalkeeper was beaten when Alonso’s strike clipped the post.
Everton’s resolve seemed to have been broken when Morata tucked home in the 72nd minute, but the offside flag came to their rescue, with Ross Barkley’s late introduction against his former club unable to inspire Chelsea to victory.
