Cole Palmer's first goal since September and a predatory finish from Malo Gusto gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge, ending a four-game winless run and nudging Enzo Maresca's side back into the Premier League's top four. Against opponents who had won four of their previous five league matches and arrived sensing Chelsea's vulnerability, the hosts married sharper finishing with a much-needed clean sheet to steady a stuttering season.
Everton dominated the opening 20 minutes and created enough opportunities across the 90 minutes to feel the margin was harsh, striking the post late on and seeing several promising chances go begging. Yet Palmer, playing through a carefully managed groin problem and watched by England manager Thomas Tuchel, struck on 21 minutes before Gusto added a second just before half-time, and from there Chelsea's organisation and occasional brilliance proved sufficient to keep David Moyes's side at arm's length.
Everton's bright start undone by Palmer's ruthless finish
With Chelsea jittery after defeats by Leeds and Atalanta and a draw at Bournemouth, it was Everton who played with the greater assurance early on. Iliman Ndiaye twice worked shooting positions as he drifted into pockets of space, James Garner went close with an effort from the edge of the area, and James Tarkowski headed narrowly wide during a spell in which the visitors dictated the tempo and pushed Chelsea deep.