Chelsea brought an end to their four-match winless run with a 2-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer returning to the scoresheet for the first time since September.
The 23-year-old forward, who has been nursing a groin injury that ruled him out for more than two months, opened the scoring in the 21st minute as England manager Thomas Tuchel looked on. Palmer was released by Malo Gusto, took a composed touch and beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.
Everton had dominated much of the early exchanges, with Iliman Ndiaye forcing two efforts on goal and James Garner also threatening, but Palmer’s strike shifted the momentum in Chelsea’s favour after a difficult run of results earlier in the month.
Chelsea nearly added to their lead through Alejandro Garnacho, who spurned several chances, including firing wide from an open goal after intercepting a poor back pass from substitute Carlos Alcaraz. The miss came shortly after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was forced off injured against his former club.
Just before half-time, Chelsea doubled their advantage. Pedro Neto’s cross caused problems in the box and Gusto reacted quickest to turn the ball home.
The second half saw further opportunities at both ends. Garnacho lifted a close-range effort over the bar before being replaced by Jamie Gittens, while Jack Grealish had a header saved and later volleyed wide when well placed. Ndiaye struck the post late on for Everton, and Trevoh Chalobah produced a vital block to deny Alcaraz inside the area.
Chelsea’s clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive as they consolidated fourth place in the Premier League standings. Everton remain eighth, having played a game more than several of their closest rivals.
