Super Saha clips Chelsea wings
For the first time since his off-field indiscretions became public, Terry looked a man with other things on his mind as Chelsea threw away the lead to lose for the fourth time this season.
The former England captain was at fault for both goals as Saha took centre stage to inspire his side to a vital victory. The French striker managed to get in front of Terry to head a 33rd minute equaliser which cancelled out Florent Malouda’s breakthrough before the French striker recovered from missing a penalty to hit a terrific 75th minute winner after Terry had failed to cut out a pass by Leighton Baines.
A break in Dubai, where Terry is heading to link up with his wife while his team-mates face Cardiff in the FA Cup this weekend, might just work in Chelsea’s favour. For Terry appeared a man distracted on a night Carlo Ancelotti’s leaders wobbled.
This was David Moyes’s 300thPremier League game in charge of Everton, the 46-year-old Scot a veteran compared to Ancelotti on the top-flight stage.
Having swatted Arsenal without complication at the weekend, Chelsea arrived on Merseyside protecting a 10-match unbeaten league run; picking up 22 points since losing at Manchester City in December. Even the off-field indiscretions of their captain have failed to derail the team’s title charge.
Terry has been subjected to torrid abuse from Burnley and Hull supporters but this was his first away game since being stripped of the England captaincy last week. Everton’s followers made it abundantly clear they were unsympathetic to his plight.
With Steven Pienaar suspended and Marouane Fellaini nursing the ankle wound he sustained during the Merseyside derby at the weekend, Moyes made two changes from the team that lost against Liverpool, with Mikel Arteta making his first start of the season and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov also coming in. Everton have proved something of a hindrance to Chelsea in recent months. The last three meetings have ended in draws.
Yet the hosts appeared to be suffering a hangover from their derby disappointment as Malouda took advantage of some dreadful marking to establish a 17th minute lead on Merseyside. Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic had already gone close when Malouda produced a composed finish from 12-yards after Didier Drogba had flicked a long free-kick by Petr Cech into the French international’s path.
It was just the start Ancelotti had demanded and Everton were rattled. Terry forced Tim Howard into a save with a header from Lampard’s corner before Baines earned his side some much needed respite, the left-back firing straight at Cech following Bilyaletdinov’s cross.
Then came the moment Terry’s mind might have been elsewhere, Saha getting in front of the defender to connect with Landon Donovan’s corner and plant a firm header beyond Cech. Everton’s season has been built on grit and determination. And Moyes’s men were showing both ingredients.
Yet, just as they failed to hurt 10-man Liverpool at Anfield, they again looked to have let Chelsea off the hook in first half stoppage time when referee Alan Wiley pointed to the spot after Ricardo Carlvalho had bundled the impressive Landon Donovan to the floor inside the area.
The stage was set for Saha to take the accolades but this time the striker looked as though he wanted the ground to swallow him up as Cech comfortably saved his poorly struck penalty.
But Everton were not done. On a poor night for Chelsea, the hosts grew stronger and it was no surprise when Saha struck the winner 15 minutes from the end. Despite Terry’s attempts to cut out a searching pass by Baines, the ball found the dangerous Saha and he required a brief glance before directing the ball beyond Cech.
Everton subs: Rodwell for Arteta (74), Gosling for Bilyaletdinov (86), Senderos for Saha (90).
Chelsea subs: Ballack for Ashley Cole (56), Sturidge for Mikel (76), Kalou for Anelka (66).
Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
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