Cole Palmer scores on his return as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, ending a four match winless run and moving back into fourth.
Chelsea ended a four match winless run with a controlled 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. Cole Palmer marked his return with a composed first half opener. Malo Gusto added a second before the break to settle the contest early.
The win lifts Enzo Maresca’s side back into fourth place in the Premier League table. Everton remain eighth after missing the chance to leapfrog their hosts. The hosts were more clinical when it mattered despite the visitors creating several good chances.
Everton began the game with confidence and intensity. Iliman Ndiaye tested Robert Sanchez twice inside the opening 20 minutes, while James Garner went close. Chelsea needed a steadying moment. That moment arrived after 21 minutes when the hosts took the lead. Gusto slid a precise pass through Everton’s back line. Palmer timed his run to perfection before beating Jordan Pickford at the near post. The goal was Palmer’s first since September and his first at Stamford Bridge in almost four months. The strike also settled the home crowd after a nervous opening spell. It shifted momentum firmly towards Chelsea as Everton’s early threat faded after conceding.
Chelsea grew in control after taking the lead. The decisive second goal came just before half time. Pedro Neto burst down the right and cut the ball back. Gusto reacted quickest to turn it in from close range to double Chelsea’s advantage. The right back capped a fine first half display. Everton felt the blow after a promising spell. Kiernan Dewsbury Hall had earlier been forced off injured against his former club. Everton had chances to respond before the interval. Jack Grealish fired wide from a promising position. Thierno Barry was inches away from converting a low cross across the six yard box.
Everton pushed forward after the interval as Grealish headed straight at Sanchez and later volleyed wide from close range. Ndiaye struck the post late on. Chelsea also had chances to extend the lead. Alejandro Garnacho scooped over when well placed. The game stayed open longer than Chelsea would have liked. Despite the pressure, Chelsea managed the closing stages well. Sanchez and his defence held firm to secure a clean sheet.
Chelsea registered 17 shots in total, five of which tested Jordan Pickford. Their expected goals tally reached just over two. Everton managed 11 attempts but only two on target. Possession was fairly balanced but the lack of cutting edge by David Moyes’ side proved costly. Palmer scored his fifth Premier League goal against Everton. Chelsea now have eight league clean sheets this season. No side has recorded more.
Palmer’s return was the headline moment. The forward played his part before being withdrawn early. His movement and composure made the difference. Gusto delivered at both ends of the pitch. He provided the assist for the opener and scored the second. Neto’s direct running also caused problems. For Everton, effort was not lacking. Grealish and Ndiaye found good positions but failed to convert.
Chelsea now turn their attention to cup action. They travel to Cardiff for a Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday, December 16th. League focus resumes on December 20th as they travel to St James Park to play Newcastle United as the festive schedule intensifies.
Everton return to Premier League duty next weekend. They host Arsenal on Saturday, December 20th. David Moyes will hope for sharper finishing to keep their European push alive.
