Three signs from Everton win that we could be seeing a new Chelsea team

Chelsea rose to the challenge against Everton on Saturday – and something we’re seeing the start of something big.

Simon Johnson’s piece looking back at Saturday’s Chelsea win over at Everton is very interesting.

Without getting ahead of itself, it points out how much of a significant result it could end up being when we look back at the end of the season. He called it a result that might make teams around us “sit up and take notice.” There are a few reasons for why this might be the a major signal we’re seeing a new Chelsea emerge.

Chelsea rise to physical challenge and beat Everton

Firstly, beating Everton away is not something Chelsea have been goot at in recent years. They had one win and just two goals in their last NINE league meetings.

Secondly the Blues kept a clean sheet – something they’ve not done in the league since January – and kept Everton chances to a minimum.

Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, a Chelsea team which has folded under the slightest pressure or physical challenge in recent years actually stood up to a major test here. After a crunching tackle from Harrison Armstrong midway through the first half, the home crowd were suddenly roaring and challenges were flying in.

Instead of melting away and conceding, Chelsea stood their ground, put in some big tackles of their own, and went on to win the game. It’s just one match, but there’s no denying the signs are god.

In other news…

Chelsea’s goalkeeper pecking order has been reshaped for a while by the injury to Emi Martinez.

Xabi Alonso confirmed on Saturday that Pep Chavarria would have tests on an injury he picked up in training before the game against Everton.