View: Everton Richarlison must continue clinical streak v Chelsea
Richarlison has enjoyed a recent run of form for Everton in the Premier League, and he’ll look to make it five goals from five games against Chelsea this evening.
Having spent the majority of the season on the left-side of midfield for the Blues, Richarlison’s goalscoring record had been less than stellar, with the Brazilian scoring just twice in the league prior to February.
However after scoring in consecutive games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Southampton and West Brom, Richarlison has found his lethal streak once again.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been relied upon as Everton’s sole goalscorer up until recently, having notched 18 times in all competitions this season.
Now however Richarlison has proven his worth in front of goal, operating as a left-sided forward alongside Calvert-Lewin for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
According to stats gathered by WyScout, Richarlison has been exceptionally clinical, having just one shot against Manchester City, Liverpool and Southampton, with each shot resulting in a goal.
The 23-year old managed a few more attempts against West Brom, scoring just one from five attempts, the other four shots being off target however.
Since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager in late January, the southwest London side have conceded just two goals in ten games across all competitions.
Defensively the Blues have been resolute, despite having missed Brazilian centre-half Thiago Silva in recent weeks, meaning that Everton will need to take their chances when they arrive.
Because of this, Richarlison’s recent run of clinical finishing will be crucial if Everton are to claim their fourth consecutive win in the Premier League.
Ancelotti’s men have been in strong form on the road this season, having gone nine games on the road without defeat, having won seven of those games.
Tuchel meanwhile has yet to lose as Chelsea manager, and given both club’s current league standing, the Stamford Bridge match-up will be a crucial tie for both teams.
Hopefully Richarlison can continue his vein of form and hand Tuchel his first defeat.
In other Everton news, Roberto Martinez has described former club Everton as a ‘very special club‘.