Everton boosted their push for European football with an impressive 3-0 victory over Chelsea, whose hopes of Champions League qualification took another damaging hit.
Beto was the standout performer, scoring twice to become the first Everton player to net a brace at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Iliman Ndiaye added a stunning late goal to seal the win.
Back-to-back home victories have lifted Everton into seventh place, just two points behind Chelsea in sixth, while the Blues slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Everton edged a lively first half and looked dangerous throughout.
Early pressure nearly paid off when Beto closed down Robert Sanchez, though Jorrel Hato managed a crucial clearance.
James Garner, fresh from his first England call-up, was heavily involved and saw an effort cleared off the line by Malo Gusto.
Chelsea created chances of their own, with Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo both going close during a frantic spell, but Everton struck first.
Garner’s incisive through ball split the defence, allowing Beto to beat Wesley Fofana and delicately lift the ball over Sanchez.
Just before the break, Enzo Fernandez nearly equalised with a spectacular volley, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Jordan Pickford.
Chelsea pushed after the interval, with Fernandez again testing Pickford from distance, but Everton remained dangerous on the break.
The decisive moment came when Idrissa Gueye won possession and surged forward, setting up Beto to fire home his second through Sanchez.
Substitutions from Liam Rosenior, including Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap, failed to spark a response.
Instead, Ndiaye capped a commanding performance with a superb curling effort into the top corner late on.
Everton’s victory was built on organisation, energy, and standout individual displays.
Pickford marked his 100th clean sheet for the club with a commanding performance, making key saves and dominating his area.
Garner, meanwhile, justified his England call-up with a creative and composed display in midfield, providing the assist that unlocked Chelsea’s defence.
Manager David Moyes has built a cohesive unit, making significantly fewer changes than his counterparts and fostering a strong team identity.
That consistency is now translating into results - and genuine European ambition.
Chelsea’s struggles continue to deepen, both on and off the pitch.
After heavy defeats in Europe and the league, frustration among supporters is growing, with many leaving early following Everton’s third goal.
Comments from Fernandez regarding the club’s direction have only added to the tension, reflecting uncertainty behind the scenes.
Rosenior’s side, once promising, now appear disjointed and fatigued.
Despite implementing a pressing system, Chelsea have been consistently outrun and outworked by opponents this season.
With tough fixtures ahead against Manchester City and Manchester United, their Champions League ambitions are hanging by a thread.
