Antonio Conte admitted Chelsea needed to be more clinical at Everton but did all they could without the suspended Alvaro Morata.
The Blues drew 0-0 despite dominating the game at Goodison Park, where boss Conte again overlooked Michy Batshuayi and deployed Eden Hazard in a central attacking role.
Conte stood by his selection despite a disappointing afternoon for the defending champions, who are now 16 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table.
“I decided to play with Hazard, Willian and Pedro. It’s not the first time,” Conte said during his post-match press conference.
“I have to make the best decision for my team. I took the best decision. We played without our striker and have played this way before this season.
“Michy started many games at the start of the season. He is coming back from an injury.”
Chelsea were denied by two goal-line clearances from Phil Jagielka and had a host of other chances but were unable to break the deadlock.
“We must be disappointed, because we deserved to win. We must be more clinical,” Conte admitted.
The Italian’s side are next in action on Boxing Day, when they will be at home to Brighton.