Everton 0-0 Chelsea: Jackson misses prove costly for title challengers

Chelsea failed to go top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool playing later on Sunday, as they were held to a 0-0 at Everton.

Chelsea missed the chance to leapfrog Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton.

Enzo Maresca's side knew a win at Goodison Park would see them go top ahead of Tottenham playing Liverpool later on Sunday, but they were frustrated by a stoic defensive display from the Toffees.

Nicolas Jackson spurned two big chances in the first half, as he was thwarted by Jordan Pickford and then the woodwork.

For all Chelsea's possession, Everton had the best two opportunities after the break, but Jack Harrison fluffed his lines when one-on-one with Robert Sanchez before Tosin Adarabioyo made a fantastic block to deny Iliman Ndiaye.

The draw leaves Chelsea in second, though Liverpool could now increase their lead at the top to four points heading into Christmas.

Everton, unbeaten in three games, are now 15th, four points clear of the bottom three.

Data Debrief: Solid at the back, but flaky in attack

Since the beginning of October, Everton have kept seven clean sheets in the Premier League, the most of any team across Europe's big five leagues. The Toffees have kept five clean sheets across their last six league matches, and they also snapped Chelsea's 15-game scoring run in the top flight.

Yet it is a double-edged sword for the Toffees, as their latest goalless display means they have failed to score in nine league matches this season, which is the most of any side in the division, and the lack of composure up front was evident when Harrison snatched at a great chance early in the second half.

Chelsea saw a five-game winning run in the league come to an end and for all their attacking talent, the Blues accumulated just 0.77 expected goals, their lowest in any of their 17 Premier League matches this season and the fourth-lowest xG overall by a team to have had 12+ shots this term.

Everton – who are under new ownership following The Friedkin Group's takeover – finished with only 0.39 expected goals, though Sean Dyche may feel his team were unfortunate not to snatch a smash-and-grab victory.