Chelsea got back to winning ways against Everton on Saturday as they won 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
WATCH — Full match replay
Enzo Maresca’s side made the most of two quality breaks in the first half to go 2-0 up and although Alejandro Garnacho had chances to extend their lead, Everton were in this game. Jack Grealish had some big chances but the in-form Toffees were left to rue poor finishing.
With the win Chelsea move on to 28 points and into the top four. Everton stay on 24 points.
Palmer’s quality makes the difference
Chelsea were under pressure from Everton during this game but they secured another clean sheet and had the quality of Cole Palmer to thank in attack. Palmer set them on their way with a typically calm finish as he scored his first goal since September as he continues to get back to his best after just returning from injury. Palmer’s quality and calmness on the ball knits everything together in attack for Chelsea and other players look more confident and dangerous when he’s in the team. Palmer can only play for about 60 minutes at this point but he makes a heck of a difference for Chelsea, especially in crucial moments in the first half of games when they can set the tone and rely on Palmer and the quality attackers around him to deliver. Chelsea weren’t at their best against Everton but after a tough few weeks with now win in their last four games, this was a step in the right directions.
What’s next?
Chelsea have a League Cup quarterfinal at Cardiff City on Tuesday, then head to Newcastle on Saturday. Everton host Arsenal on Saturday.
Chelsea vs Everton score: 2-0
Palmer 21', Gusto 45+1'
Chelsea vs Everton live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Pickford saves James’ free kick superbly
Lovely swerving free kick from Reece James but Pickford denies his England teammate with a fine save.
Another huge chance for Grealish!
Everton keep an attack alive and a whipped cross to the back post finds Grealish who is flying in but his effort is way off target. It was a tough finish to control but Grealish will have been hoping to hit the target there.
Grealish’s powerful header tipped over
A cross is swung to the back post and Grealish powers a header towards goal. Sanchez tips it just over the bar.
Garnacho should make it 3-0
A long ball over the top finds Garnacho and he races clear of O’Brien. He’s clean through but skies his shot over the bar.
Half time: Chelsea 2-0 Everton
Chelsea have been clinical in this first half with Palmer and Malo Gusto finishing calmly. Everton were in it but David Moyes will be disappointed with their defending.
Malo Gusto makes it 2-0!
Right on half time Chelsea break on the counter as Pedro Neto does superbly down the right. He picks out the onrushing Malo Gusto who slots home at the near post to make it 2-0 at a crucial time.
Grealish denied after Gusto’s error
Jack Grealish can’t believe he hasn’t scored. He makes the most of an error from Malo Gusto and he tries to dink it over Sanchez but the Chelsea goalkeeper saves well.
What a miss from Garnacho!
Oh my. Alcaraz with a poor pass straight to Garnacho and he goes around Pickford on the edge of the box, but slots the ball wide of the post. Tarkowski did just enough to maybe put him off, but Garnacho should score.
Garnacho fires over from a tight angle
Chelsea are feeling it now and Garnacho drills a shot just over from a really tight angle. That was flying.
Palmer finishes superbly!
Chelsea have the lead and Cole Palmer has his first goal since his return from injury. Lovely through ball from Malo Gusto to find Palmer and he gives Pickford the eyes and slams the ball home at the near post.
Couple of half chances for Everton
Ndiaye has a shot deflected and then blocked, then a cross into the box is knocked back in but Chelsea clear. Everton hanging in there.
Dewsbury-Hall forced off with injury on his return to Chelsea
That’s a shame. Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has been superb in recent weeks and he’s forced off early through injury. Carlos Alcaraz is on his place. Dewsbury-Hall gets a great ovation from the Chelsea fans too.
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Everton lineup
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
Chelsea team news, focus
OUT: Liam Delap (shoulder - MORE), Moises Caicedo (suspension), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh), Levi Colwill (torn ACL - MORE), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension)
Everton team news, focus
OUT: Seamus Coleman (unspecified), Merlin Rohl (groin), Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Thierno Barry (shoulder)
Chelsea vs Everton preview
Powered by playmakers Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the Toffees have won four of their last five Premier League matches to improve their record to 7W-3D-5L. Their 24 points have them in seventh place, just two points back of fourth-place Crystal Palace.
And it’s only a point back of Chelsea, who have taken just one point from two fixtures after their brilliant 10-man draw against Arsenal had everyone discussing their status as possible Premier League title contenders. The Blues lost 3-1 at Leeds and drew at home to Bournemouth, and can’t simply count on the home pitch bringing relief. Enzo Maresca’s men are 4-2-2 away from home 3-2-2 at the Bridge.
Chelsea vs Everton prediction
Chelsea slumped to a Champions League defeat to Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday, and their experience with rotation plus some decent recovery time shouldn’t leave them weary. Everton are a tough out and this is a tricky game to call. Chelsea 1-1 Everton.
How to watch Chelsea vs Everton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Stamford Bridge — West London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
