Sarri questions side’s mentality

London – Maurizio Sarri admitted Chelsea paid the price for a sluggish start and a lack of killer instinct as Jordan Pickford’s (right) heroics earned Everton a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Sarri’s side recovered from a poor first half and laid siege to the Everton goal after the break, but found Pickford unbeatable as the England keeper made a series of fine saves.

The stalemate at Stamford Bridge left Chelsea two points behind Liverpool, who beat Fulham earlier on Sunday, with Manchester City pulling clear of the Blues with their 3-1 win against Manchester Unit- ed.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, who extended their unbeaten start under Sarri to 18 games in all competitions but couldn’t make their territorial dominance count.

“I didn’t like the first 25 minutes. We moved the ball very slowly, so it was impossible for us to be dangerous,” Sarri said.

“I’m not happy of course. I don’t know why we start slowly. It’s a good question. I don’t think it’s a physical problem.

“In the second half we played with more speed and intensity. So maybe it is a mental problem.

“We might have some difficulties to approach the match from a mental point of view. It’s difficult to answer.”

Frustrated by Chelsea’s failure to turn possession into goals, Sarri said: “Usually, yes, we are sharp enough, but not in the last three matches. –