A lackluster performance from holders Chelsea FC needed a late goal from Salomon Kalou to force a replay, earning a 1-1 result at Goodison Park on Saturday. Louis Saha opening the scoring in the 62nd minute, converting a Diniyar Bilyaletdinov corner kick, but when another Everton corner led to a counter attack opportunity for the Blues, Everton was left with only a replay to show for their strong performance.
Everton FC Vs. Chelsea FC: Holders Stay Alive, Force Replay With Late Salomon Kalou Goal
An even start saw neither side generate a clear chance through the first 20 minutes, Everton crosses from the left side sporadically breaking-up Chelsea's slight advantage in possession. With the Blues unable to translate any of their advances into questions of Tim Howard, the match's first opportunity came off the foot of Jack Rodwell, a right-footed shot from 12 yards hit directly to Petr Cech in near the half hour mark. Moments later Nicolas Anelka was put behind the defense, with a right-footed shot from 16 yards saved by a Tim Howard kick.
With that chance, Chelsea had come into the match, exhibiting control into half time. But with intermission came a break in the Blues’ momentum. something the holders were never able to regain through full time.
Instead, it was Everton who dominated the second half, creating a number of chances (most notably, through Seamus Coleman) before Saha broke through in the 62nd minute. Beating John Terry on a run to the edge of the six yard box, Saha was picked out for a relatively easy finish, the Frenchman heading the ball down and to the left of Peter Cech, giving Everton the match's first goal.
When Chelsea failed to respond in the minutes that followed, Everton looked on course to advance, particularly when they pressured for a second goal just after the 70 minute mark. But after forcing another corner kick, Everton was caught out by a Chelsea counter, the play moving from left-center to right as is went up the pitch. By the time it reached the Everton area, Salomon Kalou was running onto a 16 yard shot, putting a ball through Sylvain Distin's leg to Tim Howard's far post, equalizing.
Perhaps it was a fortunate result, though others would be justified in calling the final fair. Chelsea’s 1-1 result at Goodison earns the holders a replay.
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