Everton player ratings as the Blues lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon

Everton suffered their first defeat of the season after Pedro Neto scored twice to secure Chelsea all three points at Hill Dickinson Stadium. In a fiesty first-half, both sides stuggled to creat clear cut openings, but Neto opened the scoring just a minute into the second-half.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Jordan Pickford failed to cover themselves in glory as Neto finished from inside the box. The Blues, in truth, struggled to respond. Neto secured all three points for Xabi Alonso's side when he finished from close-range after Jordan Henderson's free-kick was blocked.

And below is how our man Connor O'Neill, in attendance at Hill Dickinson Stadium, rated the Everton players.

Jordan Pickford - 6

Had very little to do in the first-half, but he should have done better with Pedro Neto's opener. Once again, questions are being asked about the Everton goalkeeper. His distribution was also poor at times.Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 4

Two mistakes inside the opening 10 minutes and he was at fault for Pedro Neto's opener. He was deservedly substituted not long after giving the goal away.Jarrad Branthwaite - 6

A fitness concern going into this game and he didn't play like he was fully fit. But he produce a great block in the first-half to deny Jordan Henderson and dealt well with the threat of Joao Pedro.

James Tarkowski - 7

Produced two big blocks inside the opening 10 minutes and often powered forward in a bid to get his side up the pitch. Booked after a coming together with Jordan Henderson and Morgan Rogers.

Vitalii Mykolenko - 6

Returning to the side after missing last weekend's draw with Hull, he offered an attacking threat we haven't seen for a long time and created a good opening during the first-half. Solid from a defensive point of view.James Garner - 6

Another who doesn't look fully fit. Tried hard, but too often couldn't impact the game in the same way he did during his best performances last season. Clearly paying the price for not having a full pre-season.

Harrison Armstrong - 8

Everton's best player. Wrongly booked for a tackle on Josh Acheampong, but he kept his composure and continued to offer a threat. Should never have been taken off when he was.

Merlin Rohl - 6

Showed flashes during the first-half with some good pressing, but too often he couldn't impact the game. A return to right-back could be on the cards.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 5

After impressing last Sunday against Hull, he looked off the pace here. Nothing came off for him and he is yet to hit the heights he reached last season. Jack Grealish - 6

Went close in the first-half, but too many times he found himself isolated on the left. And even when Everton did break, Grealish lacked support to really make something happen. Replaced with his side chasing the game.

Thierno Barry - 5

Was forced to feed off scraps for most of the game, but he should have scored when presented with a really good opportunity. Instead he headed straight at Emiliano Martínez. It was the sort of chance he had to take.

Substitutes

Tyrique George (on for Maitland-Niles 55) - 5

Struggled to make an impact even though he was on for a good 30 minutes.

Christian Norgaard (on for Armstrong 85) - 4

A debut to forget for the former Arsenal man. Looked well off the pace and was booked just minutes after coming on. Should never have been brought on.

Brennan Johnson (on for Grealish 85) - 5

Went close with his side 2-0 down, but another who failed to make an impact off the bench.