Cole Palmer marked his return from injury with a crucial goal as Chelsea secured a 2–0 Premier League victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, ending a four-match winless run across all competitions.
The result lifted the Blues back into the league’s top four and provided a timely boost after recent setbacks.
Palmer, who had missed Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atalanta, was making his first home start since September after a difficult two-month injury spell. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder had initially suffered a groin problem before fracturing a toe in a domestic accident.
Chelsea took the lead in the 21st minute when Malo Gusto threaded a precise pass into Palmer’s path. The England international made no mistake, firing past Jordan Pickford at the near post to give the hosts the advantage.
Everton enjoyed the greater share of possession and came close to an equaliser, with Robert Sanchez producing a fine save to deny Jack Grealish. However, the visitors were punished just before the break.
Against the run of play, Chelsea doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time as a swift counter-attack ended with Gusto converting Pedro Neto’s cut-back.
Everton had opportunities to reduce the deficit in the second half. Carlos Alcaraz delivered a teasing cross to the back post, but an unmarked Grealish sent his effort wide. Iliman Ndiaye also went close after bursting into the box, only to see his shot rebound off the inside of the post.
Chelsea, meanwhile, threatened to add a third goal. Reece James nearly caught Everton out with a quick free-kick that forced Pickford into a sharp save, tipping the ball over the bar.
The win restores confidence for Chelsea as they return to winning ways, while Everton were left to rue missed chances that could have changed the course of the match.
