Everton vs Chelsea Player Ratings: Brilliant Beto brace sinks Chelsea | OneFootball

Everton picked up back-to-back wins at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time after beating Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday. It was also their biggest triumph over the side from west London since 1987.

A brilliant brace of goals from Beto on either side of the half-time break was followed by a Iliman Ndiaye adding the icing on the cake to secure all three points. The win allowed David Moyes’ side to close the gap to Chelsea in sixth down to two points. They’re also three points away from city rivals Liverpool who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

Here are the player ratings for Everton against Chelsea:

Jordan Pickford: 9

Pickford is having his own Save of the Season side quest. After his heroics to secure the win over Newcastle, England’s number 1 produced another top-drawer save to keep out Enzo Fernandez’s goal-bound effort from close range in the first half. He also denied the Argentine again in the second half and has now kept 100 clean sheets for the Toffees.

Jake O’Brien: 7

It was a strong defensive performance from the Irish international who kept both Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho at bay on his flank.

James Tarkowski: 8

Returning to the side after missing the clash against Arsenal, Tarkowski had a strong performance leading the backline. He was excellent in the air and made great blocks off Neto and Malo Gusto in the first half.

Michael Keane: 8

Keane was calm in possession and dealt with the aerial threat from Chelsea. He also reacted well to an underhit pass from Pickford and carried the ball forward on occasions.

Vitalii Mykolenko: 7.5

With Cole Palmer tucking inside despite operating from the flank, Mykolenko found the space to venture forward more than usual in this game. He put in a couple of dangerous crosses and also dealt well with Neto and Estevao.

Idrissa Gueye: 8.5

Played a great role in keeping the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer quiet in the middle. Gueye created the second goal with a fantastic steal of the ball in the middle of the park, going on a lung-bursting run before releasing it to Beto for the latter to find the net.

James Garner: 8.5

James Garner marked his maiden call-up to the England national team with a sublime performance against Chelsea. It was his eye-of-the-needle pass between Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato that Beto latched onto before finishing it coolly. Garner also troubled Robert Sanchez with a deep free-kick and also brought steel to the Everton midfield.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (replaced by Tim Iroegbunam at 89’): 7.5

Dewsbury-Hall had a relatively quieter afternoon against his former club but kept probing and running all game. He had a chance late in the game where he tested Sanchez but could’ve played a simple squared pass to Thierno Barry or Ndiaye instead.

Dwight McNeil (replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite at 77’): 7

Worked his socks off the ball, especially to help out O’Brien defensively. He also combined well with Beto but lacked influence in the final third.

Beto (replaced by Thierno Barry at 81’): 9

Beto put in a classic number 9’s performance to steal the show against Chelsea. He almost capitalised on Sanchez’s mistake early on before beating him with a lovely dinked finish after being set up with an exquisite through ball from Garner.

Beto’s movement was also great for the second goal and found the net after putting the ball through Sanchez’s legs. He then rounded off the night with a headed assist to set up Iliman Ndiaye for the third.

Iliman Ndiaye (replaced by Merlin Rohl at 89’): 8.5

Capped off a magical night by the Mersey with a fantastic third goal. Ndiaye reacted early to Beto’s headed flick-on, beat Moises Caicedo’s attention with his twinkling toes before finding the top right corner with ease.

Substitutions

Jarrad Branthwaite: 6

Was brought on to shore up the backline.

Thierno Barry: 5

Replaced two-goal hero Beto but had very little to work with.

Merlin Rohl: N/A

Tim Iroegbunam:  N/A

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Reader Comments (28)

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Ray Jacques 2 Posted 22/03/2026 at 08:04:00

Great win yesterday.

Usually at this time of year, I am looking at fixtures of the Bottom 6 teams and trying to figure out where we are going to pick up sufficient points to stay up.

Every time I do it, I get different scenarios. Obviously thats not an issue this season and Europe is a possibility, but Thursday night Europa League doesnt really excite me. I would sooner we could win a trophy but guess that would be another opportunity.

I was thinking, however hypothetically if we are mathematically safe? Teams have to play each other so they can’t all take 3 points per game so it’s not just about points ahead.

Interesting… or am I just a boring old fart with too much time on his hands?

Ian Bennett 3 Posted 22/03/2026 at 08:36:34

A delicious killer through-ball from Garner and dink finish from Beto. The weight on that pass was worth the admission fee itself.

A brilliant interception and drive by 36-year-old Gana. Life still in the old dog yet.

And a top bins effort for a nice cherry on the top, that was simply unstoppable.

4 Posted 22/03/2026 at 08:40:41

We stayed out of the Bottom 3 partly because of our incredible fans, so hopefully we can climb into the Top 6 to give the supporters some great days out in Europe, Ray.

I heard a fella sitting in front of me giving Beto, his MotM, (even though he had been giving the useless cunt some unmerciful stick before he scored). I said to his mate that the sign of a good team is when you could pick a few different players to be given the MotM award, which was definitely the case yesterday.

With the score at 2-0, Chelsea broke, and they had a dangerous overload down our right. I looked at the player trying to stem the Chelsea attack, noticed it was James Garner, and a part of me began to relax.

This is the reason why I chose Garner. Clever, energetic and a major cog, but Pickford made important saves, Tarkowski had his best game in a very long time, Beto scored two, and Ndiaye showed his incredible ability... so it could have been anyone from four or five players.

Now I'm also going to praise (praise the edit button!) Michael Keane, for some of the excellent defensive positions he took up… honestly!

Danny Baily 6 Posted 22/03/2026 at 09:17:37

Ray 2, of all the competitions, I'd genuinely put the Conference League at the top of the wish list. We could win that one, and we could get to the knockouts by giving fringe players game time.

Obviously, the potential influx of cash from Champions League qualification would be what interests the club hierarchy more. But, on the balance of probability, we're not finishing 5th or higher. And from a sporting perspective, a grueling and futile campaign against top sides in Europe is not in our interests.

The Europa League is a worst-of-both-worlds scenario. Difficult to win and not game-changing money. I couldn't understand why Palace were so put out about missing out on this in favour of the eminently winnable Conference League.

Mark Murphy 7 Posted 22/03/2026 at 09:33:38

I'm torn between Garner and Beto for my MotM. Garner was imperious and everywhere and Beto scared the life out of them.

But I was also particularly very pleased with Vitaly Mykolenko yesterday.

By the way - I was in the middle of the North Stand and the noise when we scored was incredible! Back of the neck stuff!

Liam Mogan 8 Posted 22/03/2026 at 09:44:15

Danny 6 - I think Palace were justly put out due to being kicked out of a competition for non-footballing reasons.

Can you imagine us qualifying for the Champions League and being demoted to the Europa League due to AS Roma qualifying? It wouldn't be the first time we'd got into Europe and not been allowed to play.

John Pickles 9 Posted 22/03/2026 at 10:13:17

For me, Garner should be on a 9 along with Beto, he was brilliant going forward and defensively. We had a month where KDH was probably the best midfielder in the Premier League, I think currently it's Garner.

Not quite a 9 for the excellent Pickford for me, yes the first one was world class, but it was his weak punch that caused the chance in the first place. I thought Chelsea targeted him with their corners because his aerial ability is his only slight weakness.

Mykolenko had a good game, but Estevao looked very dangerous when he came on and gave him a tough time. I wondered if that was why Branthwaite was brought on, as they seemed to double mark Estevao from then on. Tactically brilliant from Moyes if so, as he was their sole threat.

Mal van Schaick 11 Posted 22/03/2026 at 10:17:52

I agree with Danny #6.

I think that the Thursday & Sunday scenario would damage this squad and plunge us down the league. We would struggle.

However, if by a miracle we make the Top 4, then we invest heavily on quality -- that would be a massive step forward for Everton.

Paul Murray 12 Posted 22/03/2026 at 10:19:40

I cannot argue against Beto, he was fantastic -- a real Number 9 and when you score 2 as well, it's a nap to get MotM. Well done!

Beto has been playing so well lately and a lot of that is down to attitude. Barry... take a hard look at that man.

Jimmy Garner was absolutely dominant and deserves a 9 or one of these stupid extra 0.5 marks, so 9.5 for me. At least 8 for everyone for me and plenty of 9s!

Take a bow, boys -- breathtaking, that performance last night!!!

Raymond Fox 13 Posted 22/03/2026 at 10:31:12

I think they are all deserving of a 9 for that game.

Pickford is priceless for us -- that's another nil game chalked up too, the defenders are doing great most matches, whoever is on the field.

Beto used his strong points -- strength and pace -- to good effect, we need to hold on to him.

Special mention for McNeil too, the team has played better since he got back in the side.

Geoff Trenner 15 Posted 22/03/2026 at 11:59:27

Just watched the game, tough to choose between Pickford, Garner & Beto for MotM. Everybody deserved at least an 8... and most a 9.

I'll give it to Beto just because I expect that sort of performance from Piickford and Garner whereas Beto is more hit and miss... and that smile is just priceless.

Ian Bennett 16 Posted 22/03/2026 at 12:10:56

What Beto gives you is pace. His hold up play and passing isn't as good as Calvert-Lewin's.

But if you can play a pass like that, he has the ability to get on the end of it and finish. Going left to right, opening his body out to finish.

The service need to be like that. Playing into his feet is a waste of time, but getting him balls down the sides shows what he has.

Mike Powell 17 Posted 22/03/2026 at 13:13:29

They all deserve a 9, they all put a shift in, and that includes the manager.

Superb performance, Blues. Great weekend, never felt more like singing the blues.

Andy Meighan 18 Posted 22/03/2026 at 14:12:49

I'd agree with what Tony A said.

Tarkowski had his best game for ages and I've got to admit about being a bit worried when I saw the line-up.

Garner and the rest of the midfield were immense, but my MotM goes to Beto, if only for that brilliant first goal alone.

Darren Hind 19 Posted 22/03/2026 at 15:04:28

I failed late fitness test and didn't get there yesterday. Gutted.

My Mrs came in as I was watching and asked who scored. When I asked how she knew we had scored, she told me everyone in Sainsbury's knew because the roar was so loud.

I didn't know about Barry getting booed on either. Not surprised, but disappointed. It's gone and he's still our player.

Beto may not be Gerd Muller, but his improvement since the big Zombie boot has been abandoned has been there for all to see. Not sure why it was abandoned and don't really care, but we look a vastly superior side when we keep open play on the ground.

Chelsea have talented footballers throughout their team, but I'm not having the media claims that they were below par. We have some wonderful talent ourselves and I thought our players showed a greater desire to win. Our boys imposed their will -- it feels very good to write that.

We saw 27 games where the team was set up not to lose and the main tactic was to hoof it to an isolated striker. Now, we have seen four very different performances on the bounce. The oft-peddled myth that we don't have the players to go out to win games has been laid bare.

He who dares, Rodders!

Ian Bennett 21 Posted 22/03/2026 at 15:55:40

Ndiaye looks way happier on the left. A fit Dewsbury-Hall gives us something going forward. Garner is bossing the midfield, Gana & McNeil provide balance.

Pickford has been exceptional at times.

Keep it tight at the back, and a willing runner up top.

Tom Bowers 22 Posted 22/03/2026 at 16:01:38

Yes, it's okay to have aspirations of a European spot but, if we only win one of the remaining games, you all know what that one will be.

Tony Abrahams 23 Posted 22/03/2026 at 16:48:00

I'd take a defeat to Liverpool right now if we win the other six games, Tom.

Six wins would get us up to 64 points and, if I was a betting man, then I think that would guarantee 5th position.

Gaute Lie 24 Posted 22/03/2026 at 18:47:18

Excellent performance! Especially pleased with and for Beto, who showed that he can be a striker who can be counted on.

Pickford gave another star performance, his reactions are like that from a cat.

No one played poorly, so credit to the whole team. Also credit to David Moyes, who it seems like is playing his team in a much more attack-minded mode.

I thought we were quite good against Arsenal last week, but this game was very enjoyable, and we won!!

Keep up the good work, blues!!!

David West 26 Posted 22/03/2026 at 19:31:08

Why would we only win 1 of the last 7? I mean anything is possible, we may not get another single point! Unlikely!!

If you average our 46 points over 31 games played its a fraction under 1.5 points per game, 7 games left, says 10-ish points.

Take into account our bad spells, afcon, suspensions & injuries we've had over them games.

So now we have almost everyone available, we have an improving home record, seem to have landed on our best line-up (Branthwaite or Keane?).

I'm hoping we can go beyond that 1.5 points average in the last 7 games, with teams like Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool struggling, we could pull of a massive shock!!!

With our defence I see us being there or thereabouts near the end challenging for them European spots, it's goals that will determine how we finish, and unlocking defences that sit back against us.

The teams that we play away are vital Brentford, Palace, West Ham & Tottenham, if we had these at home I'd be less confident!

City & the RS will play similar to Chelsea at BMD so I'm optimistic.

I was pessimistic when I saw keane and obrien starting but also when I saw their goalkeeper leading the talk Before kick off I said to myself: “ these guys cant beat us”. I mean, hes one of the worst goalies ive seen in a top six clubs in the last five years. Also, they seem a play station team: lots of talent but no fight in them. Cole palmer, enzo fernandez, joao Pedro… players who wont make it difficult to us when they loose the ball.

Fortunately, we took advantadge of those things.

I think our biggest flaws arise when in front they run and run and run.

In other Words, hard work Beats talent when talent doesnt work hard.

Moving on, having branthwaite back will make us a Hell of good as the england call for Garner.

Anything is possible; call it europe.