Everton and Chelsea deadlock in goalless first half at Hill Dickinson

UPDATE - follow-up to Everton v Chelsea: Premier League – live: Everton and Chelsea have played out a goalless first half at the Hill Dickinson, each side producing chances but no breakthrough. Both teams opened the match by taking the knee as part of the Premier League’s two‑week No Room For Racism campaign. Everton started with Merlin Röhl and Vitalii Mykolenko in place of Michael Keane and Brennan Johnson, while Chelsea introduced Jorrel Hato for Pep Chavarría. In the 26th minute Merlin Röhl fired a long‑range shot; Chelsea keeper Martinez saved and held the ball, prompting a corner and a booking for Pedro Neto after his protest. Two minutes later Maitland‑Niles threaded a pass to Röhl, earning Everton their first corner. Chelsea’s first shot on target came in the 15th minute when Palmer struck from distance, but Pickford easily collected the ball. Earlier, Armstrong’s high slide on Acheampong in the 23rd minute earned a yellow card after a brief VAR check; Tarkowski’s protest was dismissed. Throughout the half, Chelsea dominated possession at 69 % but struggled to penetrate Everton’s defence. Everton’s Jordan Henderson faced vocal boos from the crowd. Both managers spoke on TNT: David Moyes highlighted the need for more chances and praised Mykolenko’s return and Röhl’s added speed; Xabi Alonso noted the importance of a win after a recent loss, mentioned Reece James’ injury and listed his options. The match pits fifth‑placed Everton (10 points, +3 goal difference) against sixth‑placed Chelsea (10 points, +2) in a tight league battle.

Context

The No Room For Racism campaign aims to eradicate discrimination in football. A win for either side could shift the tight race for a top‑four finish, as both clubs sit level on points but differ in goal difference.