Chelsea’s likely lads Mount and Gilmour lead charge to Champions League place

Supporting cast was impressive

never in doubt. Chelsea’s quick running was matched by their passing – Gilmour to Olivier Giroud, neat touch to former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who instantly played the perfect assist for Pedro to break and finish. Everton fans had booed Barkley’s every touch to start with but soon stopped bothering.

Dominic CalvertLewin squandered a chance to reduce the deficit after a mistake by Kurt Zouma, but the game was put to bed shortly after the restart.

Barkley can claim a second assist for his pass to Willian, but the Brazilian did the hard work, finding a line through the Everton defence to fire in his unerring shot.

Moments later, Willian’s deep corner found Giroud to poke home from close range. Chelsea fans name-checked former boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was popular at Stamford Bridge for producing a team that won and entertained.

But his Everton side, beaten only once in the league since New Year’s Day, looked ordinary here.

Gilmour’s pass selection was excellent while Marcos Alonso, Mount and Pedro produced their version of total football down the left, interchanging positions at will.

After that winter wobble of confidence, Lampard’s young lambs have a spring in their step.

CHELSEA (4-3-3): Kepa 6; Azpilicueta 6, Rudiger 7, Zouma 6, Alonso 7; Barkley 8, Gilmour 8, Mount 9 (James 60, 6); Willian 8 (Anjorin 71), Giroud 8, Pedro 7. Goals: Mount 14, Pedro 21, Willian 51, Giroud 54. EVERTON (4-4-2): Pickford 7; Sidibe 5, Keane 6, Holgate 4, Digne 5; Bernard 5 (Walcott 46, 5), Gomes 6, Davies 5 (Kean 58, 5), Sigurdsson 6; Calvert-Lewin 5 (Gordon 76),

Richarlison 6.