Chelsea vs Everton: Maurizio Sarri's men held in feisty draw at Stamford Bridge
Maurizio Sarri extended his unbeaten start to Premier League management to a record 12 games as Chelsea were frustrated in a bad-tempered encounter with Everton.
The Italian is undefeated in competitive games at Chelsea, but must have wondered how his side missed out on a ninth league win as Jordan Pickford denied Marcos Alonso, Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard in Sunday's goalless draw.
Referee Kevin Friend doled out seven yellow cards in a tetchy contest, two coming following an off-the-ball incident between Bernard and Antonio Rudiger.
The height difference of one foot and Rudiger's amateur dramatics might have helped Bernard escape with a booking for motioning his head towards the defender.
Jorginho and Alonso could also be considered fortunate for avoiding greater punishment for challenges which caught the ankles of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Theo Walcott, respectively.
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Everton, brought to you from Stamford Bridge.
The clash is due to kick off at 2.15pm with team news being released an hour before, and it sees to in-form sides go head-to-head with Chelsea second in the table before today's action began and Everton winning four of their last five outings.
The match could also see Ross Barkley start against his former club, with Maurizio Sarri set to unveil his side in about 10 minutes time.
Everton start strongly they work the ball down the right side with Walcott and Coleman. The ball comes into the box and Richalison gets his shot off and wins a corner.
Morata is almost in behind the defence with a ball over the top but Pickford comes and claims the ball. Rudiger gives the ball away and Bernard wins a free kick as Azpilicueta knocks him down.
Digne delivers the ball and Mina has a chance to score but the ball bounces off him before he can control it.
Kovacic gives away a free kick just as Chelsea looked to be making in-ways into Everton's area. It's been a good contest in mid-field with neither side able to dominate as of yet.
Mina makes a challenge on Hazard that the referee isn't happy about he gets a yellow card but that's harsh in my opinion. Chelsea have a free kick about 30 yards out.
Everton have been dropping off Chelsea allowing them to have possession and it's worked so far. Chelsea haven't really created anything up front as off yet.
Jorginho tries to play Azpilicueta in behind Digne but his pass is too heavy. Everton bring the ball forward with Coleman who gives it to Richarlison and Kante takes him down. The referee plays the advantage then comes back and books Kante for his challenge.
Everton playing with real composure Gomes and Bernard controlling the play as the work the ball from the back and move it out towards Walcott on the wing.
Hazard is caught by Gomes as Chelsea look to break forward. Willian takes the free kick and finds Alonso on the left and he hits the volley but Pickford makes the save!
Hazard finds a way through to play the ball to Morata, who goes down in the area. The referee waves it away but the ball falls to Kovacic who boots it over the bar.
Everton have done well in this first half. They've defended with discipline and they've had composure in mid-field. Chelsea have been unable to create any major changes apart one volley from Alonso. Lots to do in the second half for both teams.
