One minute after Chelsea's first test of Tim Howard was whistled offside, the culprit nearly opened the scoring, Nicolas Anelka's shot toward the far, right post saved by the Everton `keeper. Anelka was alone on the keeper, a run behind the defense found by a Ramires ball, the built-up giving Anelka a clear shot from 16 yards. Howard did well to cut-off the angle, giving Anelka almost no daylight to the far post, saving the Toffees' from ruing their first defensive break down.
Everton FC Vs. Chelsea FC: Holders Start To Wake-Up, 36 Minutes In
The play, however, was made by Ramires, who started the movement in Chelsea's half of the field. A pass out right to a teammate led to a run through the middle of the park from the Brazilian, his effort rewarded with a pass to the ended of the attacking third. Ramires's next touch was a well-weighted ball behind John Heitenga, with Anelka's distance between himself and Sylvain Distin creating the room to test Howard.
Now in the 35th minute, the match remains scoreless, but Chelsea has started to look the part of holders. Beyond the Anelka chance, the team's movement is much better, but it from Ramires or Anelka. José Bosingwa remains active on the right, and if Chelsea can get Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda, or Didier Drogba more involved, they should be able to fully assume control of the match.
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