What Xabi Alonso must tell Chelsea players at half time as angry Blues risk red

Chelsea are facing off against Everton, and are at risk of letting the game get away from them as they get drawn into conflict.

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Chelsea have reached half time against Everton at the Hill Dickinson.

Early kick offs can be sleepy affairs – but not this one. It’s been fiery, and both teams have had their period on top. Tackles were flying in, there were five bookings and there could have been a red either way.

Chelsea need to cool their heads after hectic first half

Chelsea players in a generic group huddle. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Chelsea played some good stuff early on, but Everton and the crowd made it more and more difficult. Right now the Blues are letting the referee and the home team get into their heads.

Xabi Alonso needs to cool their heads at half time and get them back to playing football. Right now things are only heading in Everton’s direction.

Alonso’s team had a solid 61% possession and created some good chances, with their set pieces looking especially threatening. Moises Caicedo was inches from a goal of the season contender when he struck a dropping ball from a corner on the volley.

We have the quality to win this – we just need to turn it back into a football match.

What Xabi Alonso must tell Chelsea

In other news…

Xabi Alonso insisted before this game that Chelsea had enough in midfield despite losing Reece James to injury this week.

Chavarria was out of the team, and we had already speculated that it must be an injury.

The team news for this game shows how much confidence Xabi Alonso has in his team after a big win – there was just one, enforced, change.