Everton and Chelsea meet as Premier League launches No Room For Racism drive

Everton host Chelsea at 12.30 pm BST as the Premier League opens its two‑week No Room For Racism campaign. Both sides took the knee before kick‑off. Everton lined up with Merlin Röhl and Vitalii Mykolenko replacing Michael Keane and Brennan Johnson; Chelsea brought in defender Jorrel Hato for Pep Chavarría. The match began with a long ball from Everton that goalkeeper Kepa Martinez claimed. Referee Paul Tierney warned Acheampong at the 11th minute for a slow throw‑in, and shortly after Pedro Neto suffered a facial injury that required gauze. Jordan Henderson faced loud booing on the 5th minute. Jack Grealish was active on the left, winning a throw and sparking a physical tussle with Mateo Caicedo. David Moyes told TNT Sports that more chances could have earned more points and praised the return of Mykolenko and the speed that Röhl adds. Xabi Alonso said a win was needed after a narrow loss to Bournemouth, noted Reece James’ injury, and highlighted the depth provided by Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco and Mo Caicedo. Everton have won six of the last nine meetings, losing only once, and a victory would lift them briefly to fourth place, tying Chelsea on ten points but edging them on goal difference. Chelsea, who have scored 15 goals in six games under Alonso, have struggled at Goodison Park, losing 2‑0 and 3‑0 in two of their last three visits. ## Context Everton sit fifth with a +3 goal difference after six games, while Chelsea are sixth with +2; both teams are level on points and eye a climb up the table.