Everton analysis: Lack of depth could derail European charge
- Published
Everton put in a creditable effort, but there are signs their squad depth may not be enough to sustain a push for European qualification.
Strikers Thierno Barry and substitute Beto offered little threat in west London, while Grealish was wasteful and no clear chances fell to Ndiaye.
The biggest concern, however, was the loss of Dewsbury-Hall, who has been a revelation since his £27m move from Chelsea in the summer.
The 27-year-old midfielder is Everton's joint-top scorer with four goals and is among three players leading the way with six goal involvements, having registered two assists.
His withdrawal with a suspected hamstring injury came just five minutes and 17 seconds before Chelsea opened the scoring through Palmer, and his replacement Alcaraz looked shaky.
This was also Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye's last match before the Africa Cup of Nations so the Toffees could be without three key players for the rest of a busy December period.
It is a major issue for Everton, who boast an outstanding starting XI but, almost 12 months on from last year's American takeover, remain in the middle of a rebuild.
Manager David Moyes has not shied away from targeting European qualification for the first time in eight years, but it would be a staggering achievement given the lack of depth and the risk that any major injuries could derail their challenge.