Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea put up a vintage performance as they ran riot against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Four in the first half, two in the second, as Chelsea beat Everton 6-0 to hand Sean Dyche his heaviest career defeat.
Chelsea came into the clash off the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against the league’s basement club, Sheffield United, and they faced an Everton side with the fourth-best defence in the league.
However, Sean Dyche’s side failed to muster any sort of resistance as anticipated, as Chelsea’s attack, led by Cole Palmer, cut through them willy-nilly, as they recorded the biggest win in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.
How it happened
From the outset, Chelsea exhibited glimpses of vulnerability in defence as Everton pressed high up the pitch, threatening to exploit any lapses. Beto squandered a golden opportunity for Everton early on, lifting his effort over the bar from close range with Chelsea’s defence caught napping.
However, it was none other than Palmer who stole the show with a scintillating perfect hat-trick and then some. His first goal was a thing of beauty, as he danced past Everton defenders before curling a sublime strike into the top corner.
Palmer then demonstrated his predatory instincts, nodding in from close range before capitalising on a defensive error from Jordan Pickford to complete his hat-trick with a long-range effort.
Despite Everton’s attempts to contain Palmer, the forward continued to torment their defence throughout the match. Adding to Everton’s misery, Jackson struck a fourth for Chelsea before halftime with a powerful half-volley.
Sean Dyche’s halftime changes failed to spark a revival for Everton, as they struggled to make an impact in the second half. Palmer remained relentless in his pursuit of goals, forcing Pickford into action with a smart stop before confidently converting a penalty to complete his stellar performance.
The penalty, which was eventually converted by Palmer, caused an embarrassing spectacle, as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke had an embittered tussle for the right to square up against Pickford, but after Conor Gallagher’s interference, the ball was handed to the 21-year-old designated kicker, and he made no mistake from 18 yards out.
Chelsea’s dominance was epitomised by Gilchrist’s late strike, securing a comprehensive victory. Dyche’s side faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation, especially after a recent points deduction. The Toffees’ survival hopes hang in the balance as they navigate through a challenging period in their season.
