Graham Potter insists Chelsea have taken a ‘step forward’ despite frustrating Everton draw
Raham Potter lamented the ‘cheap’ goals Chelsea gave up after Everton twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge, but insisted the performance was a ‘step forward’ on his side.
After a scoreless first half, the game came to life in the second half when Joao Felix calmly found the corner through the post.
Abdoulaye Doucoure equalized late in the game, but Kai Havertz scored from the penalty spot with what looked to be the winner. Everton had the last laugh, however, when substitute Ellis Simms earned the Toffees a draw and ended Chelsea’s three-game winning streak with a goal in the 89th minute.
“To be cheap with the goals we conceded is frustrating,” admitted Potter afterwards. “The boys are disappointed [and] frustrated because they think they have put a lot into the game.
“At the end of the day, we’re really, really frustrated because we can’t concede the goals we scored and we expect to win the game.”
The Chelsea manager added: “At the end of the day, we didn’t defend well enough. I think in terms of results it was a step back because we wanted to win. But in terms of performance, it was a step forward because we attacked well. The feeling is frustration because we lost points.
In recent weeks, Chelsea had turned the tide after their dismal form under Potter, with three straight wins this month against Leeds, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester easing the pressure on their manager. But Everton’s latest draw means Chelsea are now heading into the international break with somewhat stalled momentum.
Potter was impressed with Sean Dyche’s side, saying: “You have to credit Everton. They do what they do well. They ask you questions, but I think we’ve controlled most of the game well – as much as you can.
The Blues will not play again until Saturday April 1, when they host Aston Villa, who are level on points with Potter’s side.
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