Yet another defensive error proved to be Chelsea’s undoing at a raucous Goodison Park, as relegation-threatened Everton came away with massive three points.
In desperate need of three points, Frank Lampard faced a visit from his former side, who were chasing a Champions League spot at the other end of the table. Before the day began, the Toffees were five points adrift of Leeds United and Burnley in the eighteenth spot with a game in hand, but a win against the Blues gave them a much-needed boost heading into the final three weeks of the season.
Following a cagey first half, Everton took the lead in the 46th minute, capitalizing off yet another defensive error from the Chelsea backline. This time it was captain Cesar Azpilicueta who was caught on the ball while attempting to play it out from the back, and Richarlison kept his composure to roll the ball past Eduoard Mendy to open the scoring.
Jordan Pickford, then, made a string of sensational saves – especially to deny Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in quick succession – to keep his side’s lead intact, which they were able to see out for the remainder of the match.
Chelsea’s slip-up at Everton allowed Arsenal the opportunity to close the gap to the third spot. The Gunners, up against West Ham United later on in the day, did exactly that, courtesy of goals from both their centre-backs.
Rob Holding, standing in for the injured Ben White, gave Arsenal the lead in the 38th minute with his first-ever Premier League goal. However, Jarrod Bowen’s volleyed finish in the 45th minute meant the two teams headed into the break level.
Nonetheless, Gabriel Magalhaes restored the Gunners’ lead shortly after the restart with a header at the back post – and they held onto their lead for whatever time that remained.
Concerningly for Chelsea, Tottenham, too, won their match against Leicester City, reducing the gap between the two teams – one in third and one in fifth – to five points with four matches to play.
Spurs led through Harry Kane’s 22nd-minute header, which Son Heung-min consolidated in the second half with two superb goals. Kelechi Iheanacho drove in the consolation from distance in the closing minutes in an otherwise comfortable win for Antonio Conte and co.
