24% possession a warning sign for Chelsea they face war of attrition | OneFootball

We really enjoy the stat pack that Chelsea put together before a game, and today’s effort for tomorrow’s match against Everton is a good one.

The numbers on the Chelsea FC website tell a story of an interesting fixture – as Everton’s fortunes have declined over the last few years, we seem to have struggled against them more and more. This game could be a turning point – the Blues are flying higher than they have been at this stage in the season for years, while Everton languish in 16th and feel like they’re stuck in a cycle of hiring and firing managers while struggling to begin a new project they can all believe in.

Our festive period starts tomorrow at 2pm with a potential battle on Merseyside.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Warning signs point to a war of attrition at Everton

Perhaps the biggest warning sign for us is the Toffees home form. they are unbeaten in 5 at home, mainly thanks to an increasingly solid defence and structure in place under Sean Dyche. They don’t have many goals in them, but they don’t concede many at home.

Last weekend’s game was a good illustration – they had just 24% possession against Arsenal, but held the Gunners to a creditable 0-0 draw. Given we’ve struggled to keep clean sheets, it’s easy to see Everton poking one in against us and then being able to hold us off.

On the other hand, maybe our free scoring form allows us to break down the home team early on. That would play into our hands tactically as they are forced to come out and attack, leaving space for our deadly counter attacks.