Conte bemoans ‘unfair’ draw
LIVERPOOL: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte felt the Premier League champions’ 0-0 draw at Everton yesterday was not a fair reflection of the game.
Chelsea controlled proceedings at Goodison Park, registering a total of 25 attempts at goal, including eight on target, but could find no way past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“I think we dominated the game and had lots of chances to score,” Conte told Sky Sports.
“I think this result is unfair. Everton deserve credit, but we deserved to win.
“We dominated the game and it is a pity to drop two points. It is normal to drop points with a poor performance, but not today.
“It is not simple to dominate here. We needed a bit of luck.”
The nearest either side came to scoring was when Everton substitute Ashley Williams put a header against his own bar with 14 minutes remaining.
Everton remain ninth and are now unbeaten in five league games since Sam Allardyce was appointed manager.
Allardyce, who was without top scorer Wayne Rooney due to illness, conceded Everton’s point had been “hard-earned.”
“In terms of effort, commitment, organisation, we have played a hugely talented front five and have had a bit of luck, but rolled up our sleeves to get a result,” he said.
“It keeps the undefeated run going and you have to respect a point against the big boys.”
On Friday, Arsenal produced a stunning fightback after a woeful first-half display to overturn a two-goal deficit against Liverpool but were denied an improbable victory as Roberto Firmino salvaged a 3-3 draw for the visitors.
“A point at Arsenal is a good result for most teams in the world but it feels not too good at the moment,” the German, whose side remained in fourth spot a point ahead of Arsenal, said after getting his breath back at the Emirates.
“Arsenal were not in the game apart from 10 minutes.”
Liverpool had scored at least three goals in each of their four Premier League matches against Arsenal under Klopp, winning three and drawing one, and found the Gunners defence in flimsy mood again as the festive programme opened with a cracker. Agencies