Chelsea lose again as Naismith bags treble

The Blues were poor as they struggled to find answers to the Scot's treble, with John Stones leading a fine defensive display despite Nemanja Matic's superb consolation goal

Chelsea's start to the defence of their Premier League title went from bad to worse as they were beaten 3-1 at Goodison Park by a Steven Naismith's hat-trick for Everton.

The Scottish forward broke the deadlock with a header in the 17th minute and followed it up with a second just five minutes later, taking advantage of slack defending from Branislav Ivanovic to bury a low shot past Asmir Begovic.


Jose Mourinho's side got back into the game through Nemanja Matic's thumping 35-yard goal shortly before half-time but could not summon many genuine chances for an equaliser, with failed summer transfer target John Stones leading a fine defensive performance by the Toffees.

And Naismith punished thoughts of a comeback when he completed his treble late in the game, picking up on a through-ball from Ross Barkley before firing home.