What Enzo Maresca told Chelsea squad after draw with Everton

A win would have placed Chelsea one point ahead of current leaders Liverpool before their match against Tottenham later in the day, but Maresca’s team had to be content with just a single point.

‘That was a real game,’ Maresca said as Chelsea returned to west London with a point. ‘I am very happy because the performance of the boys was fantastic.

‘Sometimes you have to play a different game and we are learning to play a different game. They are one of the best teams in Europe in terms of clean sheets.

‘I said to the players I was more happy today than [last week’s] game at Brentford [Chelsea won 2-1]. We tried everything.

‘For sure, you can always do something better but we are very happy because this is a tough stadium – not only for us but also in the Premier League.’

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo added to Premier League Productions: ‘It was very difficult.

‘Everton are one of the best teams at keeping clean sheets and we are one of the best at scoring.

‘The first half was very difficult with the weather but we showed fighting spirit. We are having a good run and are full of confidence. We will keep on pushing.’

While Chelsea remain second, two points above Arsenal, the draw sees Everton move four points above the relegation zone going into Christmas.

‘I said before game Enzo Maresca has done a fine job and they have certainly shown the power they have got,’ Toffees boss Sean Dyche said.

‘We could have nicked it. It was two teams going at it in the right way. You have to be willing to put a shift in and I think that was on show today.

‘Chances were minimal. They had a couple and we had a couple towards the end. We take a point. I’ve never not been proud of these players. We’ve come through a storm. I respect them.

‘We want to be productive in possession but its not easy against these teams.’

Chelsea will look to return to winning ways on Boxing Day when they face Fulham, while Everton travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.