Player Ratings: Everton 3-1 Chelsea

A Steven Naismith inspired Everton took home all the points in Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park. A hat-trick from the Scot helped the Toffees notch up their first home win with this season with a 3-1 demolition of the defending champions. The result propels them up into the top four while Chelsea are left licking their wounds in 15th place.

This result sees Chelsea condemned to their third loss in the first five games of the season. The Blues now have officially their worst start to the season since 1988 and by the end of the end can see themselves looking up at a 9 point gap from the league leaders to themselves.

Silver lining for Chelsea fans: They won the league that year, albeit that was Division Two.

Everton:

Tim Howard (7/10): The American had just a couple of shots on goal to handle with one of them being the stunner from Matic to get Chelsea back into the game. Except for a couple of dangerous crosses, which he had to deal with, didn’t have the busiest of games.

Seamus Coleman (8/10): The Irishman reminded us again why he is considered as one of the finest if not the finest right-back across the league. Kept the threat of Eden Hazard in check and as always was a willing outlet down the right for all of Everton’s attacks.

John Stones (8.5/10): Imperious at the back. Gave us a glimpse why Chelsea were ready to break the bank for the youngster. This victory against the club he tried to force a move through to in the summer should be sweeter for Stones than any other player in blue at Goodison today. At least for now, sticking with the Toffees makes perfect sense.

Phil Jagielka (7.5/10): His experience at the back is not only helping Everton keep danger at bay but also providing Stones a great mentor to look up to.

Brendan Galloway (8/10): A fine game from the Everton youngster at the back. He is no Leighton Baines, but Everton certainly seem to have another quality left-back on their hands. Set up the opener with a delightful ball into the box.

Gareth Barry (6.5/10): Stuck to his task of providing that extra pillar of support for the defence. A couple of rash challenges, however, could have been done without.

James McCarthy (7/10): Complemented Barry perfectly. Had a few moments on both sides of the pitch as he put in some vital tackles, while also got up the pitch to put in some threatening crosses.

Ross Barkley (7.5/10): A great reverse from the Englishman set up the third for Everton and Naismith. His great running and fervor created havoc in the Chelsea ranks throughout the game. However, his decision-making at times in the final third let him down at times.

Muhamed Besic (N/A): One man’s food is another man’s poison. His biggest contribution to the game was his unfortunate injury which forced Roberto Martinez into bringing on Steven Naismith.

Aruna Kone (6/10): Has really come alive this season, owning the Everton right side. However, today wasn’t his best day as he seemed lack that edge in the final third while also giving away possession cheaply a couple of times.

Romelu Lukaku (7/10): Ran the channels throughout the ninety minutes, providing Everton that outlet they were always seeking when pinned back and put under pressure. Drew a couple of smart low saves from Begovic as well.

Subs

Steven Naismith (9.5/10): The man of the moment and certainly the man of the match, with a perfect hat-trick to his name. The Scotsman revitalized the Everton side upon his introduction early on and the rest, as they say is history.

Aaron Lennon (7/10): Made his second debut for the club after sealing a permanent move to Merseyside in the summer. Looked lively and played a part in setting up Naismith’s final goal.

Ramiro Funes Mori (7/10): Everton’s most expensive summer signing came on late on to replace the injured Seamus Coleman. Looked comfortable in his home debut; both on the ball and in a mini-venture up the pitch.

Chelsea:

Asmir Begovic (7/10): Was sold out by his defenders time and again. Made a few smart saves to deny the score line from reaching an embarrassing level. Might have done a bit more to close down the angle for the third goal.

Cesar Azpilicueta (6/10): The lesser troubled of the Chelsea back four and the one to come under least scrutiny. But, again doesn’t look like the impressive player that wore the same shirt last season.

John Terry (5.5/10): Looked shaky at the back. Was lucky to escape punishment for what seemed like a back-pass from the Chelsea skipper in the second-half.

Kurt Zouma (5/10): A poor game from the Frenchman at the back. Looked lethargic and uninspired, not something we have normally come to associate with Zouma. Failed to track the run of Naismith for the first and did very little to prevent the third.

Branislav Ivanovic (4.5/10): Will again come under heavy scrutiny for another poor game. The Serbian was clearly at fault for the second goal, where he failed to close down Steven Naismith.

Jon Obi-Mikel (5.5/10): Hard to find many places where the Nigerian skipper really made a difference. Was given a chance to impress by Mourinho but can’t see him in the middle of the park for Chelsea in the long run.

Nemanja Matic (7/10): The best player on the pitch for Chelsea today. The only one who can say he did his part. Tracked back well and gave Chelsea a chance with an outstanding long-range goal.

Cesc Fabregas (5.5/10): Kept the ball ticking over in the middle of the field. But Chelsea fans would demand more from the Spaniard than the mere ticking. Another disappointing game from the Spaniard in terms of creating chances when Chelsea needed him the most.

Pedro (6/10): Full of energy down the right, but failed to produce anything worthy of note.

Eden Hazard (5.5/10): A disappointing game from the Belgian, who failed to break the shackle named Seamus Coleman. With him failing on the left, Chelsea had a very little chance elsewhere with Fabregas and Pedro misfiring as well.

Diego Costa (6/10): Never really got the service he needs to be effective. A rash tackle on Mori was a result of those pent up emotions.

Subs

Falcao (6/10): Didn’t have the effect that Mourinho would have wanted out of the Colombian’s introduction. Grafted away but failed to test Howard on even one occasion.

Kenedy (5.5/10): In his little time on the pitch, the Brazilian teenager seemed to be in a daze and sometimes rudderless. He will surely have his day to impress.

Willian (7/10): Finally provided Chelsea with an outlet on the wing, swinging in some dangerous crosses towards the end of the game.