Everton moved closer to the edges of the Champions League chase after a commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea, with Liam Rosenior’s team suffering a fourth straight defeat.
Beto found the net in both halves for the home side as they recorded consecutive Premier League victories at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time ever. Iliman Ndiaye completed a memorable evening for Everton fans with a brilliant third goal curled into the top corner.
Helped by an outstanding performance in goal from Jordan Pickford, the Toffees climbed to seventh place in the table. For Chelsea supporters, the difference between the two keepers was hard to ignore, as Robert Sanchez had a dreadful game at the opposite end.
Chelsea are now outside the Champions League spots and facing an uphill task to get back in. A win would have taken them up to fourth. Instead, they remain sixth, just two points above Everton. Meanwhile, David Moyes’ side are now only three points behind Liverpool.
How Everton overwhelmed Chelsea
Rosenior’s team started slowly and failed to cope with Everton’s energy, while Sanchez was lucky not to be punished when Beto nearly caught him hesitating early in the game. That moment reflected the pattern of the match, with Jorrel Hato and Romeo Lavia also surrendering possession in risky positions.
Even so, the opening goal was entirely Everton’s doing. James Garner, recently included in the England squad for the first time, produced an excellent pass through the back line, and Beto showed both pace and composure to lift the ball over the advancing Sanchez.
Everton still relied on Pickford to preserve their advantage before half-time, as he got a hand to Enzo Fernandez’s powerful strike from inside the area shortly after. Another sharp fingertip stop from the same player around the hour mark highlighted once again the value of England’s No 1.
Chelsea fans already understand how important a reliable goalkeeper is. Filip Jorgensen has come under pressure lately, but this time it was Sanchez in the spotlight. Idrissa Gueye sent Beto through on the right, and although the shot was hit with force, it went straight at the Spaniard.
His inability to stop it effectively ended Chelsea’s hopes of mounting a comeback. Ndiaye’s finish sealed the result. For a new stadium to truly feel like home, it needs unforgettable goals, defining moments and memorable games. This match gave Everton all of that, and perhaps even more for what lies ahead.