Chelsea beat Everton, close to championship

Pedro's moment of brilliance helped Chelsea break the difficult situation against Everton, winning 3-0 in the match of round 34 of the English Premier League on April 30.

Chelsea could be crowned Premier League champions early. Photo: Reuters

Goals: Pedro 66', Cahill 79', William 86'

At home, Everton took the initiative to play an open game with Chelsea, not being outdone by their opponents who were racing towards the finish line in the race for the championship. However, they were unlucky to score an early opening goal. In the second minute, from Jagielka's quick counterattack and ball-snatching, Calvert-Lewin kicked the ball and hit the post.

Welcoming Chelsea, coach Ronald Koeman arranged for Idrissa Gueye to stick closely to Eden Hazard, similar to what Ader Herrera did when Man Utd defeated Antonio Conte's army two weeks ago. This strategy was effective, when the player considered the "detonator" was locked down, Chelsea had many difficulties in organizing attacks.

Hazard could not shine when Gueye followed him closely. Photo: Reuters

Chelsea only had one clear-cut chance in the first half, which came in the 10th minute. In the rare occasion that he escaped Gueye's clutches, Hazard dribbled past the goalkeeper but shot wide of the net after shooting at high speed and from a tight angle.

On a day when Hazard was closely marked and Costa was always hasty in handling the ball, Chelsea's attack still had Pedro. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to get past people and enter the penalty area, in the 66th minute the Spaniard surprised everyone by turning the ball, moving across the penalty area before kicking out a beautiful long-range shot that hit Stekelenburg's net.

After the opening goal, Chelsea's performance did not improve much. However, they still managed to score a goal to increase the gap thanks in part to luck. In the 79th minute, from a not-so-strong free kick by Hazard, goalkeeper Stekelenburg pushed the ball into the net, hitting Cahill's foot, helping Chelsea increase the score to 2-0.

Pedro's beautiful long-range shot was the turning point of the match. Photo: Reuters

Leading by two goals, Coach Conte made three substitutions. And two of the three players who came on immediately combined to bring Chelsea the third goal in the 86th minute. Fabregas was the one who made the assist for William to finish close to the goal.

Defeating Everton, Chelsea increased the gap with Tottenham to seven points (81 vs 74). This team will "sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight", when Tottenham takes on Arsenal in the London derby taking place a few hours later.

Chelsea's remaining four fixtures are also very favorable. Their opponents are Middlesbrough, West Brom, Watford and the already relegated Sunderland.

According to VNE