Cole Palmer made a triumphant return to Stamford Bridge, scoring on his first home start in nearly four months as Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Everton, propelling them back into the Premier League’s top four.
Following a string of four winless matches, Enzo Maresca could not have hoped for a more opportune moment for his star player to return from a groin injury that has hampered his season. Palmer unleashed a brilliant strike in the 21st minute, converting a clever pass from Malo Gusto to give Chelsea the lead.
Gusto, who had just netted his first career goal in November, doubled Chelsea’s lead with a goal from a cross by Pedro Neto just before halftime.
Everton’s last win at Chelsea dates back to 1994, and David Moyes had never celebrated a victory at this venue. With Everton riding high after four league wins in five, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to reverse that trend, but Palmer’s performance ensured it was a memorable day for him.
This year has been challenging for Palmer, battling through significant injuries and failing to replicate the impact he had in his first 18 months at Chelsea. His last goal in open play at Stamford Bridge was in January, but when the chance finally arrived, he seized it as if he hadn’t missed a beat.
Wesley Fofana played a precise ball to Gusto, whose incisive pass set up Palmer perfectly. He made a well-timed run that caught Everton off guard, driving through their defense and firing a shot past Jordan Pickford at his near post.
It’s no coincidence that Chelsea’s performance dips when Palmer isn’t playing well. His lack of goals during a tough stretch last season coincided with the team’s slide from second to a battle for a top-four finish. When he plays at his best, the entire team seems to function more smoothly.
Palmer was substituted just before the hour mark, with his energy spent and the coach mindful of his playing time management.
Alejandro Garnacho nearly secured Chelsea’s second goal with a powerful attempt that skimmed over the crossbar before he missed an open goal following a poor pass from Carlos Alcaraz, shooting wide.
Despite a shaky start, Everton seemed to find their footing until Palmer’s goal disrupted their confidence. Just before halftime, they almost leveled the score when Idrissa Gueye burst down the right and crossed for Thierno Barry, who came tantalizingly close to scoring his second goal for the Toffees.
Chelsea’s second goal was beautifully executed, with Neto evading Vitalii Mykolenko on the right and delivering a low cross that Gusto met perfectly, tapping it past Pickford.
Everton’s Jack Grealish squandered a golden opportunity to tighten the contest with a miss from close range that went across the goal and wide. Additionally, Reece James‘s free-kick was expertly saved by Pickford.
The final opportunity fell to Everton as Iliman Ndiaye‘s shot hit the post with Robert Sánchez beaten, but by then, Chelsea had already secured the win.