It wasn’t pretty, but Enzo Maresca’s men got the job done at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Re-live the game with the best facts and Opta data in our Chelsea vs Everton stats page.
Nicolas Jackson’s first Premier League goal in over four months was enough as Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to keep themselves firmly in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Enzo Maresca’s men were sixth in the Premier League ahead of the weekend but moved up to fourth – at least for a few hours – with Saturday’s win, which puts the pressure back on those around them.
It certainly wasn’t a vintage performance, but Jackson will have been a popular matchwinner having endured a barren run – and not just in the league.
Robert Sánchez also had to play his part, producing a fine late save to deny Dwight McNeil as Chelsea ultimately limped to victory.
Chelsea were without the presence of suspended head coach Maresca on the touchline, though there were few signs of that actually impacting them in a first half they controlled without leaving second gear.
They showed flashes of dynamism in attack, with Pedro Neto especially lively on the right and Jackson darting about in the final third to keep the Everton centre-backs occupied.
The Senegalese striker had struggled of late but looked in the mood as he set out to end a disappointing goalless run that was preceded by a promising start to the campaign.
He’d scored nine league goals by mid-December, a tally only five players could better at the time, but 12 fruitless appearances followed, form that doubtless had a broader impact on Chelsea’s collective results.
But when Enzo Fernández zipped the ball into his feet about 25 yards from goal after Trevoh Chalobah robbed Beto in the 27th minute, Jackson had only one thing in his mind.
Everton’s centre-backs had split, allowing Jackson the time to turn and pick out the bottom-left corner, ending his drought in style with what was his first Premier League goal from outside the area.
Chelsea weren’t exceptional but were comfortable, Everton taking 45 minutes and five seconds to register their first attempt – a harmless Abdoulaye Doucouré header that sailed well off target.
Cole Palmer’s efforts to end his own goal drought fell short, however.
The England international last scored on 14 January and was once again on the periphery, drifting to little effect.
That seemed to reflect Chelsea’s collective malaise as they appeared incapable of increasing their intensity, which subsequently offered Everton encouragement.
An equaliser almost arrived in the final stages, only for Sánchez to tip McNeil’s close-range effort around the post with a save that was essentially worth two points.
The battle for the top five is only just beginning, however, with Chelsea still yet to face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in a gruelling end to the 2024-25 season.
Our Opta match centre delivers you all the Chelsea vs Everton stats from their Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge.
The match centre below includes team and player stats, expected goals data, passing networks, an Opta chalkboard and more. It gives you everything you need to do your own post-match analysis.
Underneath the match centre you can find the official Opta stats on the game as well.
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Chelsea 1-0 Everton Stats: Jackson Ends Drought to Keep Blues in Champions League Battle Opta Analyst.
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