Steven Naismith scored a hat-trick for Everton as they overcame the Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Everton forward Steven Naismith was the hero of the match as he scored a hat-trick for his side. The forward made the difference as an early first-half substitute to inspire the home side and condemn the reigning champions to a third defeat of the season, the same number Chelsea suffered in the whole of the last campaign.
The Scottish footballer scored twice in quick succession in the first 25 minutes after coming on for the injured Muhamed Besic. Ten minutes before the break, Nemanja Matic scored a goal for the visitors with a fine strike and reduced the deficit. The Blues were unable to find an equalizer later in the second half as they struggled to make an impact.
The Scot completed his treble eight minutes from time and guided his team to a remarkable win over Jose Mourinho’s men in front of 38,300 fans in Walton, Liverpool. The 28-year-old did not need long to make an impact as his clever turn gave him space and fired through the center of Chelsea’s defense to head home the cross in the 17th minute.
Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic prevented the home side from doubling their lead as he produced two superb saves in quick succession, first clawing away Arouna Kone’s point-blank header before diving to his right to deny James McCarthy from distance. However, Begovic could do nothing to stop Naismith from adding to his tally as he arrowed a fine left-footed strike into the far corner from 20 yards just five minutes after his opener.
Mourinho’s side continued to struggle against an organized Everton defense, but Matic got them back into the game with a spectacular 30-yard drive. Eden Hazard almost leveled before half-time, his shot deflecting narrowly wide after good work from Diego Costa, before John Terry powered a header just over the bar.
Eveton secured their second win of the league season while Chelsea slipped to bottom five with just four points in their bag. IMAGE/getwestlondon.co.uk
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