"They made things difficult." David Moyes singles out three Chelsea players who caused problems for his side in the defeat.

 “They made things difficult.” David Moyes praises three Chelsea  players after defeat. 

Everton boss David Moyes has admitted Chelsea’s quality in the final third proved decisive after his side’s defeat to Chelsea, despite producing one of their strongest away performances of the season.

Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto on the scoresheet as the Blues climbed into the top four. 

Palmer opened the scoring in the 21st minute, finishing clinically after a clever through ball from Malo Gusto, before Gusto doubled the lead just before half-time with a composed finish from inside the box. 

Everton boss David Moyes was left lamenting missed opportunities and moments in the final third where his side couldn’t 'convert pressure into goals. Moyes acknowledged the quality of Chelsea’s attacking play and highlighted the influence of three key Blues players in advanced areas: Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana.

 “We did a lot of really good things… But we couldn’t finish it off,” Moyes said. “I’ve no complaints from the players except the final third stuff — if you don’t take the chances, then you don’t win the game.” 

Gusto was the standout in the final third, contributing both a goal and an assist, consistently driving forward from right-back and creating danger with incisive passing and movement. His ability to link play and break defensive lines was a defining feature of Chelsea’s attacking performance. 

While Chalobah and Fofana did not score, both defenders played important roles in sustaining Chelsea’s pressure higher up the pitch. Their comfort on the ball and willingness to step into midfield helped the Blues retain possession and transition quickly into attacking phases, frustrating Everton’s attempts to regain control. 

Everton crafted a handful of chances — including a late strike that rattled the post — but ultimately lacked the cutting edge required in the final third to breach Chelsea’s defence. 

Moyes acknowledged his team “pushed them close” but admitted that marginal differences in decisive areas ultimately dictated the result:

"...we just dropped a couple of runners at times when they showed quality. We pushed them close. That's what we have to try to do."

Meanwhile, Chelsea face Cardiff City in the Quarter-final of his EFL cup and would be looking to continue their winning run.