Toffees pick up all three points at Goodison Park
Everton put further pressure on Jose Mourinho and Chelsea thanks to a perfect hat-trick from substitute Steven Naismith.
The build-up to the game was dominated by John Stones playing against the side he could have joined over the summer, but it ended with Naismith stealing the show thanks to a hat-trick after coming off the bench during the first-half.
Before the game, Mourinho was adamant that his job is safe and he’s not under any pressure from Roman Abramovich, but following just one win in five now, pressure is mounting on The Special One. The odds on Jose Mourinho to be sacked will probably be slashed again.
Match Summary
The Toffees were dealt an early blow when midfielder Muhamed Bešić injured his hamstring, but it was his replacement who gave Roberto Martinez the three points.
After just 17-minutes, Naismith was found unmarked in the penalty area to header home past Asmir Begovic, who was in for the injury Thibaut Courtois.
The Bosnian was at his best to prevent Arouna Kone from doubling the hosts’ lead, but just five minutes after scoring his first, Naismith doubled his tally with a fine low drive.
Chelsea were given a glimmer of hope when Nemanja Matic thundered home a shot from 30-yards just after the half-hour mark, and despite constant pressure afterwards, they went into the break 2-1 down.
There wasn’t a lot of goalmouth action in the second half, but there was time for one more goal and a hat-trick goal for Naismith after he slotted calmly under Begovic.
The win puts Everton third for now with eight points from five games, while Chelsea are 15th, with just four points. See also 5 things we learned from the match.
Match Reaction
Everton forward Steven Naismith, speaking to BT Sport: “There was some interest in me on transfer deadline day and it’s always hard when you’re not playing but the manager decided he wanted to keep me. Hopefully I showed my worth today.”
Everton defender Phil Jagielka, speaking to BT Sport: “John Stones has been supreme all season. There has been a lot of talk about him but all the players have backed him. He’s been playing really well and that shows what kind of character he is.”
Everton boss Roberto Martinez: “A performance like that gives you a feeling of pride. An incredible team performance.
“Steve (Naismith) is a really important player for us, not just today but over the last two seasons he has been growing week by week. He showed everyone that he is ready for his moment and he did it in real style.”
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: “I am not feeling pressure. The results are the worst in my career. They are not adapted to my quality, my status, but I am coping well with the situation.
“I am the man for the job. I don’t think there is better man who could come and do my job.”
He added: “Even if we win every game between now and the end of season, we still depend on other results.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
