Everton bolstered their chances of European qualification as they dispatched Chelsea 3-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Beto was at the double and a magnificent Iliman Ndiaye strike delivered the Toffees a resounding triumph in what was their best performance since moving to their new home on the River Mersey.
To a man, David Moye’ men were excellent as they moved up to seventh in the Premier League table - and just three points outside the Champions League spots.
Everton vs Chelsea match report
Everton made a bright start and in the 10th minute, Beto robbed Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez of the ball but the visitors managed to scramble clear.
On 14 minutes, the lively Beto pulled a ball into the box that found James Garner, whose goal-bound shot was blocked by Wesley Fofana.
And in the 33rd minute, after Chelsea had a spell on top, Moyes’ men deservedly took the lead. Garner, who earned his maiden England call-up this week, thread a perfect ball into the path of Beto and he applied a composed finish over the onrushing Sanchez.
Chelsea made a decent response and nine minutes before half-time, the ball dropped to Enzo Fernadez from a corner but his half-volley was kept out by a fine save from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Everton continued to have the better of things in the second half and in the 62nd minute they doubled the advantage. Idrissa Gana Gueye purloined possession and drove at the Chelsea defence before sliding to Beto, whose first-time shot squirmed through Sanchez.
Then with 14 minutes remaining, the Toffees wrapped up the deserved triumph, with Beto flicking on a long ball for Ndiaye, who burst his way into the box and picked out the top corner.
That had the Evertonians rocking as they savoured a win that might be the best of the season. And if Moyes’ troops continue this level of form in their remaining seven games, they will make a return to Europe next term.
Everton player ratings vs Chelsea.
Made an excellent save from Fernandez to keep Everton level in the first half. Then kept out Fernandez twice in the second half with two decent stops.
1. Jordan Pickford - 8
Made an excellent save from Fernandez to keep Everton level in the first half. Then kept out Fernandez twice in the second half with two decent stops. | Getty Images
Didn't put a foot wrong in the first half against Pedro Neto. Then kept things tight against Alejandro Garnacho in the second period.
2. Jake O'Brien - 7
Didn't put a foot wrong in the first half against Pedro Neto. Then kept things tight against Alejandro Garnacho in the second period. | Getty Images
Won plenty of headers in the first half. Made several important interceptions inside his own area after the break.
3. Michael Keane - 9
Won plenty of headers in the first half. Made several important interceptions inside his own area after the break. | Getty Images
Made one important block in the first half. Won plenty after the break.
4. James Tarkowski - 8
Made one important block in the first half. Won plenty after the break. | Getty Images