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Blues' season slides away as they lose fourth successive match

Admittedly two of those were against Paris Saint-Germain, but Chelsea - now out of Europe - have lost direction and seem clueless when it comes to winning matches.

Perhaps a suspension of Premier League action is just what the team needs.

“I think it’s come at a good time for us,” admitted Liam Rosenior.

Only substitute Estevao showed any real sense of urgency as the game slipped away from Chelsea on their first visit to the hosts’ new stadium.

When the squad returns after scattering for international duty, the visitors will be lowly Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-final. But on the Blues’ current form, even they will be licking their lips.

That 3-0 win by the Toffees upended the form guide between the two clubs. Chelsea had by far the better record, but as goalkeeping howlers by Robert Sanchez began adding up, that counted for nothing.

Beto scored the first brace of the new Hill Dickinson ground to put the game beyond the Blues, with Iliman Ndiaye adding an excellent strike to cap a memorable day for Everton.

Back from injury, Estevao replaced Pedro Neto with 20 minutes of normal time remaining, and brought pace and directness to the attack. But Jordan Pickford was having one of his best days between the sticks and nothing would get past him.

When Liam Delap was added to the forward line in place of Joao Pedro, you knew the game was up. With only 12 minutes remaining, there was little chance of any impact.

Chelsea must face facts. Delap hasn’t the speed, power or accuracy of a top-flight striker. He was promoted from the Championship, and – frankly – that was his best level.

Only a hearty win against Port Vale on April 4 will help the Blues resurrect a season that seems to be slipping away.

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