Had Everton not been docked 10 points then they would be above Chelsea on Sunday when the two sides meet at Goodison Park. For Mauricio Pochettino this is little to shout about.
The Toffees ended up cruising past Newcastle on Thursday – the same side that not only beat Chelsea 4-1 two weeks ago but that also comprehensively dispatched Manchester United before Pochettino’s men fell to bits at Old Trafford – and are entering the game in high spirits. Sean Dyche has managed to instil some of the prime-Burnley attitude and play into his squad and has lost just once in the last five, winning three.
Since the start of October it has been six wins, one draw and just two losses for the Merseysiders as the threat of being dragged into a relegation scrap quickly dissipates. For Chelsea it is quite the scare, especially with what is already a shocking recent record in this fixture.
“It is a much different style, they can play in different ways,” the Chelsea boss said before the game. “Always aggressive teams. Like his persona, aggressive and brave. We are going to find a team that are going to try to press high and can build from back and is also direct. It’s going to be interesting because it’s going to be a massive challenge for us.”
He added: “In adversity you can build something special in all the areas of the club. It will revive everyone to feel part of this unfair decision and make stronger. We are going to find really tough atmosphere and if you want to perform in Premier League we need to deal with this.”
It makes the few days training in-between travelling and matches even more important for the head coach. Here, football.london has picked out five key pictures taken from the Friday session at Cobham.
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The Ghost of Chelsea past
The first image of the set released by the club may well take most by surprise. Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah are central in a frame of a sunny Surrey afternoon having not been seen due to injury for quite some time. Chalobah is yet to even play this season having picked up a knock in pre-season.
Chilwell played in the opening six weeks before a late blow in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton saw him sidelined for the past three months. Pochettino has had very little to say about either.
The days of debating Chilwell’s role in the side – both as a left-back and in the unorthodox left-winger role he was used early doors – feel a long way gone now but simply having the availability of either player would be a boost for Pochettino and his depth. This wasn’t one we expected.
Season’s greetings
Pochettino continues to take Mykhailo Mudryk under his wing, it seems. The pair have formed a special bond already as hopes for a steady improvement in the Ukrainians performances and understanding of top level football remain.
The pair have documented their crossbar challenge battle together as well as appearing in close conversation during games as Mudryk is talked through his instructions. Here he is resting his head on Pochettino’s left shoulder during the session. Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez stand either side, almost acting as bodyguards to a meeting.
Mudryk has now started the past two games on the left-wing but failed to take true advantage of his chances, falling short in front of goal and not offering much protection to Levi Colwill behind him either. Against Everton his physicality is sure to be tested but Pochettino will be around to help him out, like always.
Academy presents
After signing a new deal with the club there was a special moment for youngster Leo Castledine on Wednesday as he was included on the bench at Old Trafford. It’s not the first time the 18-year-old has been named in a squad but his appearances have been fleeting at best.
Castledine is seen as one of the best talents at Cobham currently and is being rewarded with a taste of first team action and can be seen here chasing down his teammates. In the absence of both Conor Gallagher and Lesley Ugochukwu in mid-week he got a chance to travel with the side but once Romeo Lavia returns the chance for a debut may just slip away for now.
However, Alex Matos – who joined from Norwich over the summer – was involved once more and is now settled in the senior squad despite just being a body for the bench on most occasions. For now it is a sprinkling of their presence but in the long run the pair will hope to really give Pochettino something to think about.
Academy defender Alfie Gilchrist was also involved as he has been for most of the season.
Merry Christo-mas
Christopher Nkunku is still waiting for a Chelsea debut but it might not be too far away now. The Frenchman was involved in team training yet again as he builds up fitness from a long-term knee injury and is once more in the thick of it here.
Pochettino said on Friday in his press conference that Nkunku is a doubt but would be assessed; many Chelsea fans are just hoping to see even a glimpse of him on the bench. In these images he is wrapped up with a hat and gloves, leaning back whilst threading a pass into his teammate.
It would be the perfect early Christmas present if he was to play at Goodison Park but the worry is that even Nkunku in full flow won’t be able to solve the issues on hand.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
