Everton vs. Chelsea score: Jorginho penalty carries Blues in drab opening day showdown
A clumsy penalty conceded by Abdoulaye Doucouré was the difference in the match as Chelsea defeated Everton 1-0 on opening day. Frank Lampard's side lined up well and despite being short on forwards, they were able to hang with Chelsea as the Blues struggled to get their season going.
Everton were hit with another injury blow only 18 minutes into the match as Ben Godfrey left the match on a stretcher after a lengthy delay. Considering that he had his leg immobilized, it doesn't look good. He was eventually replaced by Mason Holgate.
From there, both teams were missing a true number nine, but it was Everton who did better coping with that as Anthony Gordon led the attack. Everton were able to create chances on the counter but the final ball wasn't there.
Ben Chilwell drew a penalty before the half as Doucouré put both hands on his shirt while he was going down in the box. Jorginho didn't mess around as he drove the penalty home to give Chelsea the advantage.
The second half went similarly to the first but Everton will be the happier team about that. Amadou Onana was in the crowd watching as he'll be in the Everton midfield sooner than later after they agreed to a deal with Lille but for Chelsea, even with Armando Broja on the pitch they were missing a proper nine.
Raheem Sterling filled the role but he's better from the wing despite his strong work rate in the box.
He was bright along with Kalidou Koulibaly in making their debuts Saturday but most of the team didn't shine along with them
Nathan Patterson also creeated a good chance for Dele Alli when he entered but Dele didn't know what to do with the ball in the box as he fluffed his chance. Plenty of work to be done for each side in a game that ended up going almost 110 minutes due to various stoppages in each half.