Toffees’ treble hero Naismith piles pressure on Mourinho
JOSE MOURINHO claims he is not feeling the pressure after Chelsea’s shock defeat at Everton.
Steven Naismith’s perfect hat-trick — a header, a left-foot drive and a right-foot crossshot — left Chelsea with just four points from five games, making it their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 29 years.
The champions now trail Manchester City by 11 points and Mourinho admitted: ‘The results are the worst in my career. Confidence is low, we are an unhappy team.’
Asked if he felt under pressure he said: ‘I am not feeling pressure. The refugees are under big pressure.’
Chelsea had begun the game well. But, with their first proper attack, Everton scored.
Naismith, an early substitute for the injured Muhamed Besic, took the ball deep in Chelsea territory, turned and laid it off to left-back Brendan Galloway, who crossed with curl and pace and Naismith powered it into the roof of the net.
The game was transformed. Asmir Begovic did well to save an Arouna Kone header.
Seconds later, the Chelsea keeper was diving to push a stinging shot from James McCarthy round the post.
But he was helpless when Naismith lashed a low effort into the left corner of the net from 20 yards. Chelsea were stunned but, 10 minutes before halftime, Nemanja Matic pulled a goal back with a stunner from 30 yards.
In the second half, Chelsea pressed for an equaliser but Everton stood firm. And, in the 83rd minute, some fine interplay between Ross Barkley and Naismith ended with the Scot driving a shot past Begovic to seal the win.