Chelsea climb back into Champions League places
Chelsea 1 - 0 Everton
Chelsea climbed back into the Champions League positions with a narrow victory over Everton.
The result lifts the Blues to fourth in the Premier League, level on points with Nottingham Forest and one ahead of Newcastle, who face Ipswich later on Saturday.
With Forest and Aston Villa involved in FA Cup semi-finals this weekend, Chelsea are guaranteed to stay in the top five at least until Thursday, when Forest take on Brentford.
Nicolas Jackson secured the decisive three points, ending a 13-game goal drought dating back to December. The striker struck instinctively from 20 yards, firing low past Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner after 27 minutes.
Although Chelsea were the more dominant side, they failed to put the game beyond doubt. With the race for Champions League qualification finely poised and a challenging run-in ahead, there were anxious moments as Everton improved late on.
Robert Sanchez was called into action, making important saves from Beto and Dwight McNeil to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
Who was important for Chelsea?
The 2-2 draw against Ipswich earlier this month had been marred by open frustration from the stands, with supporters airing their grievances over the team’s laboured style and mounting doubts about Enzo Maresca’s leadership.
This time, with Maresca serving a touchline ban and watching from the stands, Chelsea were still far from fluent, but as far as everyone inside the stadium was concerned, the only thing that mattered was the result.
Creativity in open play remained elusive, Cole Palmer’s barren run in front of goal now stretching to 17 matches, yet Chelsea at least showed a sharpness without the ball, particularly during an energetic first half.
Their breakthrough came from one such moment. Trevor Chalobah, quick to seize on a mistake by Everton striker Beto in the centre circle, set the wheels in motion. Enzo Fernández picked up the loose ball and fed Nicolas Jackson, who coolly finished what proved to be the game’s only goal.
At the other end, Robert Sánchez, often another lightning rod for criticism during his time at the club, delivered a series of crucial saves that could yet prove significant. He was equal to Beto’s speculative effort from distance and, with just three minutes left, reacted smartly to deny Dwight McNeil’s flicked shot creeping into the bottom corner.
At full time, Sánchez was warmly embraced by his team-mates, while the home crowd let out a cheer laced with relief. It had not been pretty, but it was enough.
The impact of this result for both sides
Enzo Maresca’s side next host league leaders Liverpool at Stamford Bridge before crucial encounters with Newcastle, Manchester United and a final-day trip to Forest. Everton, who have now won just once in their past nine matches, stay 13th.
