Everton’s second trip down to Stamford Bridge this season ended in an unfortunate, last minute defeat to a strong Chelsea side. It was in fact, an own-goal from Lescott in the 92nd minute who put the ball past Tim Howard. Chelsea had opened the scoring early in the first half through a great finish by Sean Wright-Phillips, but, his effort was cancelled out by a great Yakubu finish midway through the second half.

Chelsea then suffered a major set-back. Already without Lampard, Terry, Drogba and more, John Obi-Mikel was sent off after a dangerous two-footed lunge on Phil Neville. Everton, who played a 4-5-1 system, with both Carsley and Neville in midfield, played thoroughly entertaining football throughout the match, even without Spaniard Mikel Arteta. James McFadden had a great chance when the scores were level; a cheeky back heel from the on-form Yakubu, put McFadden through, who managed to skim the post from an extremely tight angle.

The match looked to be a draw, which, under the circumstances, would have been a fair result for both teams, but, in the 92nd minute, Sean Wright-Phillips gave Lescott a slight push in the back, and it was enough to make the England international put the ball into his own net. Within the two minutes remaining of added time, Lescott had a great one-on-one opportunity against Hiliario, but Lescott failed to score.

In all, a disappointing result for Everton, but, with the home crowd behind them, Everton will be expecting to win the home leg at Goodison Park.