Match Summary
Chelsea and Everton served out a nine-goal thriller as this classic match was ironically helped by some shocking officiating.
The likes of Diego Costa, Ramires, Matic and Ivanovic all were on the score-sheet for the Blues, whilst ex-Blue Samuel Eto’o scored on his debut.
The Londoners started with immense power: Costa slided the ball home after 35 seconds after great work by Fabregas.
But then the dodgy officiating kicked in. Ivanovic was a leg’s width offside whrn he doubled Chelsea’s lead within minutes. Referee Moss should then have sent off Howard for handling outside the box, and failed to make amends even when he later headbutted Azpilicueta.
Thankfully, the sheer number of goals should take the headlines, for it was that sort of yo-yo game.
Mirallas’ delightful header just before half-time made it game on, but a Coleman own goal early in the second looked to settle things.
Everton had other ideas as Chelsea became complacent. Naismith toe poked home, but Chelsea restored their two goal lead through Matic.
That was halved — again — through a sublime Eto’o header, but no-one could control anything as Ramires slid one home just a minute later.
Ten minutes of protective Chelsea play then allowed for Costa to grab his brace in injury time.
It makes it three wins from three, but it could have been much easier.
Man of the Match
DIEGO COSTA: Such a high-scoring game and Matic and Cahill can be proud of their defensive efforts despite the score-line painting a very different picture, but Costa has to be praised for starting and ending the rout. Effortless commitment and tireless approach, but must cut out the petulance because he is waiting for a red card if he keeps falling for opponents’ smart provocation. 8/10
Manager Reaction
Mourinho was unhappy with aspects his side’s performance: “It was wonderful for everyone at the stadium and watching television around the world — but not for me. We are improving in other areas but not keeping the balance in defence. Wednesday afternoon we spent 90 minutes defending corners and free-kicks but today we conceded from a free-kick so I cannot be happy with the ridiculous goal we conceded.”
Martinez was likewise disappointed: “We started too slow. But even then I felt we showed great character and great belief and I felt we were getting back into it, but every time we did we were dealt a sucker punch. Our defending was not as good as it should be.”