Nicolas Jackson had not scored for Chelsea since December 15 coming into today’s game. Just when his side needed it most, the Blues striker ended his four-month goal drought to help secure a 1-0 win over Everton.
Enzo Maresca’s side move up to 4th in the table, now ahead of Nottingham Forest and Newcastle who still have games in hand, and one point off Manchester City in third.
Meanwhile, Everton remain 13th but could slip as low as 17th by the end of this matchweek, such are the tight margins in the bottom half of the table.
2024/2025 Premier League
1 – 0
Match Report
Nicolas Jackson’s first goal since December provided a major boost to Chelsea’s Champions League qualification hopes as they beat Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Jackson drilled home from just outside the area in the 27th minute, having been fed by Enzo Fernandez after Everton striker Beto lost possession cheaply inside his own half.
That strike ensured Chelsea took full advantage of Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa being in FA Cup action this weekend.
But they had to come through an Everton onslaught in the second half, with the Toffees vastly improved by David Moyes’ 64th-minute introductions of Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti and Ashley Young.
After Beto had worked Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box, the Chelsea goalkeeper made a stunning save to keep out McNeil’s close-range volley in the 87th minute.
Everton also felt Sanchez was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty in the first half, having come off his line to punch and only succeeded in clattering Vitalii Mykolenko.
Jordan Pickford twice denied Noni Madueke at the other end and Jackson had a potential second goal disallowed for offside, but his first-half strike was ultimately enough for Enzo Maresca’s men.
The result takes them fourth in the table, one point behind City and above Forest on goal difference, though Newcastle United could overtake them when they host Ipswich Town later on Saturday. Everton stay 13th.
Credit: AF
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