Everton boosted their chances of securing European football with a 3-0 win over Chelsea, deepening pressure on Liam Rosenior as the visitors’ struggles in the Premier League continue.
Goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye ensured a comfortable win for the hosts, who secured back-to-back home victories to maintain momentum in the race for continental qualification.
Everton take control early
Everton started well and created the clearer chances in the first half. Beto nearly capitalised on hesitation from Robert Sanchez, though Jorrel Hato cleared the danger.
James Garner, recently called up to the England squad, also came close, seeing his effort cleared off the line by Malo Gusto.
Chelsea responded with a series of blocked attempts, including efforts involving Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, but struggled to convert pressure into clear chances.
Everton eventually broke the deadlock when Garner split the defence with a precise pass, allowing Beto to beat Fofana and lift a finish over Sanchez.
Clinical finishing seals result
Chelsea came close to an equaliser before the break, with Enzo Fernandez forcing a strong save from Jordan Pickford.
The visitors continued to push after the interval, with Fernandez again denied from distance, but Everton remained disciplined.
Beto doubled the lead after a driving run from Idrissa Gueye, finishing powerfully to register his second goal of the match.
Chelsea introduced Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao Willian and Liam Delap in response, but failed to alter the outcome.
Ndiaye added a late third with a curling finish into the top corner, sealing a dominant performance.
The result lifts Everton to seventh place, two points behind Chelsea, whose fourth consecutive defeat raises fresh concerns over their push for Champions League qualification under Liam Rosenior.