Enzo Maresca commended his team's togetherness after playing out a goalless draw against Everton.
Conditions were far from ideal with strong winds and rainy conditions, and there was risk of the match being postponed in a similar fashion to their Merseyside clash against Liverpool.
Both teams had strong chances, but Sean Dyche will feel his side deserved more than a point as they restricted Chelsea creatively and looked the more likely scorers.
Both defences were also put to the test, with the two goalkeepers performing well and accounting for the winder environment.
A draw suits both teams, but it means that Chelsea will miss the chance to go top of the table, with Arne Slot's Liverpool now given the opportunity to extend their points advantage over the Blues.
Everton move four points clear of the relegation zone but travel to Manchester City next on Boxing Day.
Here is everything Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca had to say following the game:
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A (rare) non-firing attack
It was always set to be an entertaining matchup - Maresca's Blues had been the out-and-out goalscoring leaders, but faced an Everton team targeting a third successive clean sheet in the league.
It was a target they hit, with the Toffees well organised and compact, and meant Chelsea failed to score in a league game for only the second time this season - the other occasion being a 2-0 loss to Manchester City on opening day.
Regardless, Maresca seemed delighted with his side's performance, and focused on the positives as he said: "I'm more happy today than the Brentford game. It's a tricky game, tricky stadium, tricky team.
"They are one of the five best teams defensively in Europe in terms of clean sheets."
It was a rare off game for Cole Palmer, Chelsea's usual attacking cornerstone, as he struggled to gel with his teammates, only managing a single shot.
Everton kept Palmer busy by staying compact in the middle of the pitch - Dyche was also a vocal presence on the touchline, pushing his team to press aggressively and not give Chelsea time on the ball.
"It was a tough game to create chances," Maresca added, something he expected from the opponent. "In general, you struggle to create chances against them.
"There was no space for Cole [Palmer]. Overall in this kind of game, you have to be clinical."
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A resolute defence
Chelsea's back four was not quite its strongest on paper - they missed the energy of Marc Cucurella, as well as continuing to play without Wesley Fofana or Reece James.
Malo Gusto began at left-back, and Maresca opted for Axel Disasi on the right, who often shifted to the centre.
Tosin Adarabioyo continued to fill in for Fofana, and had a strong outing in this match.
Maresca singled out Tosin for praise in his comments, saying: "Tosin was very good.
"All the players defensively were very good. Clean sheet, we didn't concede. Happy for them."
The clean sheet will be a real positive for Chelsea, and it was their goalkeeper who helped maintain it - as Robert Sanchez pulled off two reflex saves to prevent certain goals.
Maresca highlighted the importance of the saves, as he added: "I think Robert [Sanchez] did one save first half, and then the second half he did one more.'
"We are happy with Robert, for sure. He is there to help us when we need him."
