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EPL: Chelsea hit Everton for six

August 31, 2014 11:35 IST

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal during the Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

It was a day of role reversal as Jose Mourinho's often cautious Chelsea thumped Everton 6-3 in a thriller on Saturday while champions Manchester City's attacking talents were blunted in a shock 1-0 home defeat by Stoke City.

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New signing Diego Costa was on target twice, scoring for the third Premier League game in a row, as Chelsea produced a swashbuckling performance to overwhelm Everton at Goodison Park.

"It was wonderful for everyone at the stadium and people watching television around the world but not for me," Mourinho told the BBC. "We cannot make so many defensive mistakes.

‘Today we showed we are improving’

Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates

Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

"We want to improve as a team by keeping our defensive strength and quality and improving in other areas. Today we showed we are improving in other areas but not keeping the balance in defence."

Everton were caught cold as Costa put the visitors ahead after 35 seconds and Branislav Ivanovic scored two minutes later, incensing the hosts who felt he had strayed offside.

The home side hit back seconds before halftime when Kevin Mirallas powered a header past keeper Thibaut Courtois but a Seamus Coleman own goal, after an excellent dribble by Eden Hazard, restored Chelsea's cushion.

Basketball match

Kevin Mirallas of Everton celebrates scoring his goal

Kevin Mirallas of Everton celebrates scoring his goal. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

It then had the feel of a basketball match as Steven Naismith's effort gave Everton hope before Nemanja Matic replied with his first goal for Chelsea.

Samuel Eto'o scored on his debut for the hosts, against his former club, only to see Ramires and Costa complete the rout for the visitors.

Mame Biram Diouf silenced the home fans

Mame Biram Diouf, left, of Stoke City celebrates

Mame Biram Diouf, left, of Stoke City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Manchester City. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Manchester City dropped their first points of the season when Mame Biram Diouf scored a superb individual goal to silence the home fans who have become used to seeing one-sided romps at the Etihad Stadium.

It was also another miserable day for Manchester United, their frustrations continuing after a 0-0 draw at promoted Burnley with British record signing Angel Di Maria unable to spark an improvement in their fortunes.

Swansea City's excellent start to the season continued as they swept aside West Bromwich Albion 3-0 and they are level on a maximum nine points with Chelsea at the top of the fledgling table.

Southampton came from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1 while Crystal Palace, playing their first game under new manager Neil Warnock, scored through on-loan Wilfried Zaha in the fifth minute of stoppage time to grab a 3-3 draw at Newcastle United.

Queens Park Rangers beat Sunderland 1-0 to collect their first win since gaining promotion while the goals flowed for west London rivals Chelsea in a dynamic display by the normally pragmatic and defensively-sound Blues. 

Source: REUTERS
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