Cole Palmer made a stunning return to Stamford Bridge, scoring on his first start in nearly four months. Chelsea celebrated a 2-0 win over Everton, pushing themselves back into the Premier League’s top four.
After a rough patch of four matches without a win, Chelsea needed a lift. Palmer, who has struggled with injuries this season, delivered. In the 21st minute, he seized on a clever pass from Malo Gusto and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to give Chelsea the lead.
Just before the half, Gusto added the second goal, converting a cross from Pedro Neto. This victory was sweet for Chelsea, as Everton hasn’t won there since 1994, and manager David Moyes hadn’t tasted success at the ground either.
Palmer’s journey this year has been tough. Injuries had limited his impact, and he hadn’t scored from open play at home since January. However, he proved he still has what it takes, making his run count and showcasing his talent.
His performance is crucial for Chelsea; when he’s on form, the whole team seems to thrive. Recent statistics show a strong correlation: when Palmer struggles, Chelsea often drops points. Last year, his slump saw the team slide from second place to competing for a top-four finish.
He played until shortly before the hour mark, a wise decision from manager Enzo Maresca as they carefully manage his comeback. Notably, Alejandro Garnacho nearly scored a second but missed a golden opportunity, showcasing how Chelsea is still finding their rhythm.
Everton started strong but faltered after Palmer’s goal. They had a few chances, including a near miss from Thierno Barry right before half-time. Chelsea’s second goal, orchestrated by Neto, appeared simple but was executed with flair.
Towards the end, Everton barely threatened Chelsea’s defense, with Jack Grealish missing a clear chance to get them back in the game. The final moments were tense as Iliman Ndiaye hit the post, but Chelsea secured the much-needed victory.
Palmer’s performance highlights not just his skills but his importance to the team’s success. As Chelsea moves forward, his health and performance will be pivotal, and fans remain hopeful for a strong season ahead.
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