Chelsea’s season effectively came to an end on Saturday evening as they crashed out of the FA Cup at Goodison Park.
A late double from former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku was enough to see off Hiddink’s side in a feisty quarter-final affair.
Chelsea were coming into the game on the back of a disappointed display against PSG in the Champions League and showed little improvement against Roberto Martinez’s side.
Nemanja Matic returned to the Blues lineup while Kenedy started once again at left-back. Diego Costa recovered from an injury sustained in midweek to start and would be the centre of attention once again.
In a game that finished 10 against 10, both teams made a slow start, with just one shot on target each in a goalless first half.
Diego Costa had already introduced himself to the Everton faithful in the first period and strong tackles were taking place all over the pitch. A half for the fans of the ‘good old fashioned’ side of the game rather than the purists.
It was a moment of brilliance in 77th minute from Romelu Lukaku – who Chelsea sold to the Merseyside club for £28 million in 2014 – that opened the game up.
However, five minutes later, before Chelsea could really respond, poor defending from Chelsea allowed the Belgian to convert a low drive, doubling his and Everton’s tally.
Diego Costa then saw red for a second bookable offense following a battle with Gareth Barry that had developed throughout the encounter. Suggestions that the Chelsea striker bit the Everton midfielder are built on little evidence – Barry did not react to the supposed incident.
Barry himself then saw red after picking up two bookings in three minutes, although it came too late for Chelsea to capitalise on the now even sides.
Chelsea’s season in now effectively over in the competitive sense with Guus Hiddink’s side knocked out of two competitions in three days.
They could still have a say in the title race, however, particularly on the last day of the season when they host league leaders Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
They are also not mathematically out of the running for Champions League qualifications, although very few could argue they actually deserve that feat this season.
Chelsea’s lack of creativity in the last two games is the real frustration for fans, as well as continued defensive frailties. John Terry made his return to the side as a late substitute against Everton but will now end his last Chelsea season with no silverware to celebrate.
It’s certainly a big task for the manager brave enough to take the Chelsea job in the summer, with many fans worrying that next season could bring another campaign of difficulty.
Eden Hazard, who is widely expected to be a part of a summer window clear out at Stamford Bridge, did not feature against Everton due to a persistent hip problem.
The hosts were far too strong for Chelsea, who were left to rue selling Romelu Lukaku so soon without giving the striker a real chance at the club.
Everton 2-0 Chelsea – Stats and Facts
- Guus Hiddink has lost an FA Cup game for the first time, having won each of the previous six
- Diego Costa has received his first red card for Chelsea
- Romelu Lukaku has now scored 25 goals in 36 games in all competitions for Everton this season
- Chelsea lose back-to-back games for the first time in either of Guus Hiddink’s spells in charge of the club
- Romelu Lukaku has 25 goals this season, the most by any Everton player in a season since Gary Lineker (40) in 1986
Source: Opta/Squawka
