An Encouraging Defeat... Somewhat

My day began with a morning flight from Amsterdam to Liverpool. I'd visited the Netherlands for a little trip to watch some cricket in The Hague with my son. Having got home, we grabbed some lunch before making our way over to Liverpool city centre for a few jars in the Ship & Mitre, my father-in-law and I that is. We then sunk a quick one in the Vernon Arms before jumping on the train at Moorfields – if you ever get the train to Kirkdale, by the way, be sure to check out the new stadium progress out of the window, it's really taking shape.

We then grabbed a few tinnies from the off-licence and met the rest of the lads near the Holy Trinity statue. It was great to see the fellas again and enjoy a few beers. Before long, the coach went past with the players, greeted by a haze of blue smoke and rapturous applause. My father-in-law, visiting from Germany, loved every second of it.

After the coach had gone past, we still had plenty of time and enjoyed another beer or two before heading into the Lower Gwladys Street End, the atmosphere by now really bubbling away. I got to my seat and, as always at the beginning of every season, it was great to see all the usual faces. Everyone in good form.

I was surprised that Dele Alli didn't begin the game as I thought it was the sort of game that would have suited him, and as we well know, we didn't have any strikers available. Instead, Anthony Gordon was asked to lead the line in attack, supported by Demarai Gray and new-signing Dwight McNeil. Alex Iwobi and Abdoulaye Doucouré made up the midfield. It was great to see Nathan Patterson make his Premier League bow at right back, and James Tarkowski slotted into centre-back as if he's been a part of that back line for years. A class act. Jordan Pickford was the chosen captain.

Chelsea, of course, had an embarrassment of riches at their disposal. As I pointed out at half-time to the fella who sits next to me, it sits wrong with me that it wasn't long ago that Chelsea couldn't afford to stay overnight at a hotel for an away game… but, in no time at all, they can spend ridiculous money, including a £60M back-up left-back for a £50M left-back, whereas Everton have to wheel and deal like mad.

Anyhow, we began the game reasonably well I thought and were matching Chelsea early doors. Disaster struck on 8 minutes for poor Ben Godfrey of course in the dumbest of circumstances. Firstly, it was an awful backpass; secondly, what was Jordan thinking? That was never going to not be a corner, let it go; and thirdly, why didn't the linesman signal or the referee blow up? The ball was so obviously out of play and should have been dead. I sit pretty much in line with where Ben was stricken and I felt for the guy, he looked in severe pain and very worried. On the face of it, 3 months on the sidelines doesn't sound so bad given how much worse it could have been.

Following a lengthy stoppage, Mason Holgate replaced him and was quickly into the action, heading out a couple of corners straight away as Everton valiantly defended Chelsea's set-piece onslaught.

It was a good effort in the first half, we stayed in it well, and nearly got to the break all-square. In fairness to Chelsea, they were turning the screw deep into stoppage time and Everton were pinned back, and cracked under the pressure. Abdoulaye Doucouré unnecessarily brought down Ben Chilwell, Jorginho delivered from the spot, Chelsea ahead at the break.

I wasn't aware at the time, and it was a bit before the goal, but we later found out in the pub that Raheem Stirling had benefited from a quite hideous dive in the build up, which burns a bit. I don't want to have a go at players for diving individually, because they all bloody do it, but for dives as clear as that, I'd like to see the referees do their job better, as this was as blatant as they come. With the VAR available, and diving seldom punished, I really can't fathom why there isn't an initiative to do something about this.

The second half was quite the dull affair. Though Everton showed plenty of huff and puff, Chelsea had us at arm's length for most of it and ran out the second half quite comfortably in fairness. We had a few moments when I just wished somebody would have put their laces through it but, as has been the case, our decision-making is pretty shoddy in the final third and we are left ruing opportunities.

Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil and substitute Dele Alli all had chances to shoot and either did so at the wrong time or tried to play a pass instead and the opportunity faded. Chelsea frustrated in their successful efforts to grind the game down, and the game ticked out to a bit of an annoying defeat, which on another day we might have nicked a point from. Oh and Yerry Mina, come on man. This is beyond ridiculous now.

We congregated in The Winslow after the match and met some Dutch Evertonians who we've gotten to know well over the years, who were visiting for the game. With the match being a late kick-off, before we knew it, the time was almost 10 pm. Luckily for us, Gaz had stayed around on the soft drinks and was able to kindly take us all home.

So we begin with a somewhat encouraging defeat, our first opening day loss since 2011. It's apparent to all what is required. Let's make sure we get that striker in, because as far as I can tell, especially with the other incoming additions, the rest of the squad will more than do.

Player ratings:

Jordan Pickford: I don't know if this performance was somewhat inflicted by the pressure of the captain's armband, but blimey that was a poor display. Let's hope that's him getting a shocker out of the way early. 4

James Tarkowski: What a centre-back he is, the best we've had since Phil Jagielka. His reading of the game is exemplary, and he's very organised. A great signing, he'll be brilliant for us. 8

Ben Godfrey: I won't judge him given his length of time on the field and sad departure. I just hope he makes a full recovery.

Yerry Mina: Had a decent enough performance but I've had about enough of this. I'd sooner play Michael Keane each game because at least you know what you're going to get. If you've got a player you can't depend on, then how you can justify continuing to include him? I guess he'll be gone come the Summer in any event. A real frustration. 6

Vitalii Mykolenko: He did pretty well, both at left-wingback and inside centre-back. I dare say he's a better inside centre-back than a left-wingback. 6

Nathan Patterson: He's still quite raw, and before his injury, I can see why Frank wasn't convinced he was ready. However, he's an exciting player and loves to get forward. We have to keep on playing him and let him learn. He can be a valuable asset to us in attack which, given we have a shortage of goals, could be very useful. 7

Alex Iwobi: He was fantastic and continually showed intelligent use of the ball and bundles of energy throughout. I'd like to have seen him get an opportunity to get further up the pitch. It's a shame Tom Davies was injured and Allan seemingly not ready to return from injury as one of them could have been useful, even as a substitute. Hopefully we can see him further forward next game because he makes things happen. My Man of the Match. 8

Abdoulaye Doucouré: He had a good game. He began the second half with a whirlwind, possibly trying to make amends for the penalty he conceded. A good effort throughout. 7

Dwight McNeil: He did okay. I've seen better debuts but also a lot worse. He seems to do the basics well and I look forward to assessing him more as I see him play more. 6

Demarai Gray: A bit disappointing, he didn't offer a great deal. 5

Anthony Gordon: He worked hard but it was always going to be tough for him up there on his own. That part when he chased the ball down and regained possession was great though. I look forward to seeing him back on the wing next week. 6

Substitutes:

Mason Holgate (for Ben Godfrey): I thought Mason did ever so well, especially being thrust straight into action so early in the game. 7

Dele Alli (for Dwight McNeil): He got involved as usual and did pretty well. I think he should have begun the game. 6

Ruben Vinagre (for Yerry Mina): I was very impressed with Ruben, he certainly likes to attack. I'd have him starting games at left-wingback instead of Vitalii. He looks a good all-round player. 7

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