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Everton vs Chelsea: Post-match Quotes

Savoring these three points today

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Steven Naismith was Man of the Match on a day when Everton were stellar against defending champions Chelsea, winning 3-0. Goodison Park was always going to be a bear-pit after the controversy over John Stones the two clubs were embroiled in during the summer transfer window, and it delivered. The raucous crowd cheered on the Blues as they raced to an early lead and then stood firm against the London-side's barrage before capping off the win with a late goal.

'Scottish Messi' Naismith was first up.

On his opportunity today -

"After the window shut we've got a strong squad of players and unfortunately for me at the start of the season I've not played as much.
"But you've got to be ready and today was my chance and I managed to take it which was good."

On the transfer window where he was linked with Norwich -

"There was a bit of interest and it's hard when you're not playing but the manager wanted to keep me and hopefully I've showed my worth today."

Captain Phil Jagielka also spoke.

On John Stones facing Chelsea -

"He has had things to deal with off the pitch but the players have backed him and we are delighted to have him.

"Hes got his head screwed on, he know the right things to do, he shows his class with a fantastic performance."

On the team's current form -

"We hoped for that last season and it never materialised, we need to keep the momentum going at Swansea last week."

Roberto Martinez was naturally delighted.

On how he would look back at this game -

Well with incredible satisfaction. You can imagine a performance like that is what gives you a feeling of pride, an incredible team performance.

On Norwich making a bid for Naismith -

"I think Steven is a really really important player for us. Not just today but what he was done for us in the last two seasons, he has been growing week by week, his role is very important. As you can imagine, as an individual you always want to start games, but that can become a little difficult but what we want is to have very strong squad. If you want to be a winning team you need to be able to have a large squad and competition for places is very important.

"What Steven Naismith showed was that he was ready for whenever his moment arrived and he did it in real style.

On the injuries to Muhamed Besic and Seamus Coleman -

"[It's] too early, obviously. We are going to assess them over the next 48 hours. I am sure they are soft tissue problems but we will find out a little bit more tomorrow."

On Leighton Baines (who was in the studio for BT Sport today) saying that it would have been 3-0 were he playing -

"I have no doubt about that!"

Finally, we don't usually cover comments made by the opposition, but thought you might enjoy this.

Jose Mourinho -

"I don't blame my players, I don't blame myself. I don't accept the result.

"Everything is going against us. They start with Besic, he gets injured and Naismith scores a hat-trick.

"I cannot put more pressure on my players, they are sad enough already. It's very frustrating for them to dominate and lose."

Ok then mate.