Chelsea player ratings vs Everton: Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix excellent but Kalidou Koulibaly struggles again

It was a dominant first-half performance from Graham Potter’s side but it took a precise strike from Joao Felix early in the second period to break the deadlock at Stamford Bridge.

Abdoulaye Doucoure brought relegation-threatened Everton back using goal-line technology before Kai Havertz restored Chelsea’s lead with a penalty just seven minutes later.

But substitute Ellis Simms earned the struggling Sean Dyche Toffees an oh-so-valuable point in their fight for survival.

Dom Smith was at Stamford Bridge to assess Chelsea players…

Kepa Arrizabalaga — 5

Couldn’t do anything to prevent 1st Everton but really should have refused Everton the late equalizer that earned them a point.

Wesley Fofana—6

Once again, probably Chelsea’s best centre-back. Perhaps Demarai gave Gray too much space in wide areas in the first half.

Kalidou Koulibaly — 4

Beaten out of the air far too easily for Everton’s first goal before goalscorer Simms sped past him for the second. A poor outing for a player yet to find his footing in English football.

Benoît Badiashile — 5

Forgave a stupid foul on Demarai Gray in the first half in a position the Toffees could have threatened from. Otherwise ok, but needs to screw up a few notches.

Reece James-6

Always looks good running right to front – and that will never change. But by the Englishman’s high standards, it was a quiet night.

Enzo Fernandez — 8 | starman

Many will continue to taunt Chelsea for spending a staggering £107million to sign the world champions in January, but he continues to fit the bridge perfectly. Great on the ball and always looking ahead. Terrific.

Mateo Kovacic — 7

Led Chelsea midfield well. Almost scored early and was decent overall.

Ben Chilwell—8

Superb performance by Chilwell in his 50th Premier League appearance for the club. Involved heavily in Felix’s goal that broke the blockade.

Kai Havertz — 7

An aerial threat as always and will be delighted to have scored from a smart penalty after James was felled in the box.

Joao Felix — 8

About as effective as any Chelsea player. Turned well, was able to beat Everton’s defense with his pace and scored his second goal for the club with a precise finish early in the second half.

Christian Pulisic — 7

A fine performance from a player rarely trusted to start for the Blues. Almost scored a crack but was disallowed for offside.

Subtitle:

Conor Gallagher (Pulisic, 62) – 6th

Stay calm off the bench and play a little further forward than usual. Has made an exceptional solo run.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Kovacic, 81) – N/A

Carney Chukwuemeka (Felix, 86) – N/A

Trevoh Chalobah (Fofana, 86) – N/A

Unused substitutes: Marcus Bettinelli, N’Golo Kante, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Marc Cucurella