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Everton 3-1 Chelsea: Instant Reaction

Steven Naismith inspired the Toffees to a brilliant win over the Premier League champions at Goodison Park...

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Steven Naismith inspired Everton to a brilliant victory over Chelsea on Saturday, scoring all three goals as Roberto Martinez's side managed perhaps their most important victory since their win over the same side in the Catalan's first season.

After a cagey first ten minutes, the game came alive with the introduction of Steven Naismith. The Scot came on for Muhamed Besic, who went off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. While this was bad luck for the Bosnian, it appeared to be exactly what the Toffees needed.

Within fifteen minutes of being on the pitch Naismith had scored twice, both largely from his own work. For the first goal he kept the ball well in the Chelsea half before playing it out to Brendan Galloway on the left wing. Despite looking suspect in the final third in his short Everton career, the 19-year-old put in what was possibly the perfect ball for Naismith to head past Asmir Begovic in to the back of the net.

The Blues doubled their lead not long after thanks to a thumping strike from distance from Naismith. The Chelsea defence appeared to let the forward have space on the edge of the area, which he took advantage of with a low drive in to the bottom corner.

However, before half time came the Premier :League champions did get a foothold in to the game. Nemanja Matic scored a wonder goal from 35 yards out to end the first period 2-1. Ross Barkley could perhaps be blamed for not closing down the Serbian, but there is little you can do about such a strike.

This left the game on a knife edge in the second half, with the opposition piling pressure on the Everton back line. Stones, Jagielka, et al dealt well with this though, and the team grew in to the game again towards the end. Arouna Kone left the field to a standing ovation for Aaron Lennon, and worryingly Seamus Coleman went off injured for Ramiro Fune Mori's debut as the Toffees attempted to hold off Jose Mourinho's men.

They did so well, not conceding many chances despite the 14 corners against the side. Naismith then wrapped up a perfect hat trick with a calm finish after a pass from Ross Barkley cut open the Chelsea defence.

Now with eight points from the first five points, and a growing confidence in the side, could this be a sign of things to come? Remember, it was a victory over Chelsea in Roberto Martinez's first season that spurred the team on to a great campaign.