Chelsea walloped Everton 4-0 on Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Stamford Bridge to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the Premier League.

Everton boss Ancelotti led Chelsea to the Double in 2009-10 and his first game back got off to a woeful start as Mason Mount and Pedro scored to put the Blues two goals up inside the opening 21 minutes.

Ross Barkley was at the heart of proceedings for Chelsea and the former Everton midfielder set up Pedro for the second goal and was also involved in Willian’s second half goal.

Olivier Giroud completed the rout poking in from Willian’s cross as Chelsea sealed their biggest league win of the season – five days after they beat Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round.

Victory gave them a five-point cushion in the Champions League places – seventh-placed Manchester United host Manchester City in the late kick off – while Everton remain in 12th.