Steven Pienaar added to Chelsea's mounting problems as the South Africa international inspired Everton to a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
Denis Stracqualursi's first Premier League goal in the 71st minute sealed a thoroughly deserved win for mid-table Everton as Andre Villas-Boas's side dropped out of the top four.
Dejected Chelsea are now without a win in four league games - a damaging run which threatens their hopes of securing qualification for next season's Champions League.
Manager Villas-Boas could take few positives from a poor performance by his team.
His first away defeat in the league since October 23 could not have come at a worse time after pictures of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich observing the team training added to speculation over Villas-Boas's future at Stamford Bridge.
Everton are now unbeaten in five with this victory coming hot on the heels of a 1-0 home win over leaders Manchester City.
Chelsea conceded three times in 26 second-half minutes to blow a 3-0 lead against Manchester United in their previous match and they found themselves behind after just five minutes on Merseyside.
Pienaar, making his second...
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