Chelsea Vs. Everton: Late Jermaine Beckford Header Earns Point For Toffees, Sends Blues Third

Chelsea’s winless streak was send to four when Jermaine Beckford headed Everton even in the second half at Stamford Bridge, the final goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw. Chelsea had gone after late in the first half through a Dider Drogba penalty kick conversion, but their capitulation see them against split points with the Toffees, leaving them in their place after the day’s matches.

Chelsea is now staring up at both Manchester United and Arsenal, who went first with their win over Fulham, Of greater concern for the Blues: The returns of John Terry and Michael Essien did not produce the desired turnaround. With Beckford converting a goal that’s become typical in this match-up - putting hom a ball that was headed across to him by Tim Cahill - Chelsea’s won one of their least six league matches, picking up five points. They’re also 1-6-1 in their last eight meeting with Everton.

Given the nature of the Chelsea-Everton match-up, it may be wise to refrain from drawing too many conclusions from today’s result; however, with a December fixture list featuring Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Arsenal then Bolton, Chelsea’s title race may hang in the balance. In all likelihood, the Blues will find the December points they need to stay alive. At least, they have in the past. But with their struggles extending to six matches and having finished a run of fixtures much easier than the top-of-the-table circuit they’re about to run, the Blues have run out of time to figure their problems out.

By next Sunday at White Hard Lane, Chelsea needs to be back to normal. Else, the points their dropping will be to fellow title contenders. Quickly, this year could start to look like 2008-09, when Chelsea went into the new year looking to salvage their season.