Goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye boosted Everton’s hopes of European qualification while dealing a significant blow to Chelsea’s bid for a Champions League spot next season.
Beto struck in both halves to become the first Everton player to score twice in a single match at the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Ndiaye sealed the victory with a late effort.
Back-to-back home wins have revived Everton’s chances of securing their first European campaign in eight years. In contrast, Chelsea’s poor run of form continued, as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions. James Garner — who received his first England call-up on Friday — nearly added to Everton’s tally, but his effort was cleared off the line by Malo Gusto.
Chelsea responded with a series of blocked attempts, including a notable chance for Joao Pedro. A subsequent corner also produced a flurry of opportunities involving Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, but Everton’s defence held firm.
Moments later, Everton took the lead. Garner threaded a precise pass through the defence, allowing Beto to beat Fofana to the ball before lifting a first-time finish over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with the outside of his boot.
At the start of the second half, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior introduced winger Alejandro Garnacho in place of Gusto in a bid to spark a response.
However, it was Everton who struck again, with Beto grabbing his second after a superb interception and driving run from Idrissa Gueye, whose 30-yard surge set up the goal.
Chelsea later introduced Estevao Willian and striker Liam Delap — a reported transfer target for Everton manager David Moyes — but it was Ndiaye who had the final say, curling a stunning third goal into the top corner late on.
The result lifts Everton to seventh place in the Premier League, strengthening their push for European football. They now sit just two points behind sixth-placed Chelsea, whose hopes of securing Champions League qualification continue to fade.
