Chelsea’s top four hopes were dealt a massive blow on Sunday as they were beaten 2-0 by Everton at Goodison Park.
They needed a win to go above Arsenal, and needed a win by six clear goals to reach third and displace Spurs.
Maurizio Sarri again put Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench, starting with ex-Everton player Ross Barkley, who was booed throughout.
Ross Barkley of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom
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The away side dominated, with Eden Hazard hitting the post and Pedro sending an effort just wide in the first half without a breakthrough.
In the second half, Everton shrugged off their sluggishness and Richarlison was on hand to head in the rebound from a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header.
They doubled their lead when Marcos Alonso fouled Richarlison in the box. Gylfi Sigurdsson stepped up to take and although Kepa saved his spot-kick the Icelandic international slotted home at the second attempt.
Chelsea stay sixth, one point behind Manchester United and three off fourth-placed Arsenal.
TALKING POINT
Have Chelsea blown their chance of top four? They have given Manchester United a game in hand in fifth, and fallen further behind in the race for Champions League spots. Unless they are able to find some more resilience, they will struggle when it comes to the business end of the Europa League, too.
Michael Keane of Everton is tackled by Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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MAN OF THE MATCH
Richarlison (Everton): None of the players on show were especially impressive, but Richarlison was decisive. He was on hand to grab the opener when others dithered, and he was alive to the loose ball in the box that won the penalty. For such a young player he makes decisive interventions often.
Richarlison celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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PLAYER RATINGS
Everton: Pickford 7, Digne 6, Mina 6, Keane 6, Coleman 6, Andre Gomes 5, Gueye 6, Bernard 5, Sigurdsson 6, Richarlison 7, Calvert-Lewin 7. Subs: Walcott 6, Schneiderlin 6, Davies 6.
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga 6, Azpilicueta 5, Luiz 6, Rudiger 5, Alonso 5, Jorginho 5, Kante 5, Barkley 6, Pedro 6, Higuain 6, Hazard 6. Subs: Loftus-Cheek 6, Hudson-Odoi 6, Giroud 6.
KEY EVENTS
7’ - CHELSEA CHANCES - Hazard has room on the edge of the box to shoot, space in front of him, and he whips in an effort that beats Pickford and clangs off the post. Seconds later, Higuain springs the offside trap, brings it down brilliantly and scuffs a shot at goal that Pickford can save.
25’ - KEPA SAVE - Gomes digs out a shot from distance towards Kepa, and the 'keeper does well with an effort that bounces just in front of him.
42’ - PEDRO SHOT - Pedro spins on the corner of the box, shrugs off a shove, beats three players and from just on the edge of the D, sends a low shot inches wide of the post.
49’ - GOAL! Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Richarlison scores - Corner on the right for Everton. Sigurdsson takes, Calvert-Lewin heads down for Kepa to block, and Richarlison is on hand to nod in from a couple of yards out.
Richarlison of Everton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom
Image credit: Getty Images
71’ - PENALTY! Richarlison seizes on a loose ball in the box, he has his foot trodden on by Alonso, and Anthony Taylor makes an easy decision.
72’ - GOAL! Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Sigurdsson scores - Kepa guesses correctly with a dive to the right, and Sigurdsson is able to make amends with the follow-up.
KEY STAT
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