Cole Palmer marked his return to form with a crucial goal as Chelsea secured a 2–0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, bringing an end to a four-match winless run across all competitions and restoring momentum to their league campaign.
The win at Stamford Bridge propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League’s top four, offering a timely boost after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent results.
Palmer, who has endured a frustrating two-month spell on the sidelines, played a central role in the victory.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder had missed Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as he continued his recovery from injury. Initially sidelined by a groin problem, Palmer’s return was further delayed after he fractured a toe in an accident at home.
Having made his first start since September in last weekend’s scoreless draw at Bournemouth, the England international showed his sharpness had returned by opening the scoring in the 21st minute.
Malo Gusto split the Everton defence with a precise pass, and Palmer calmly finished at Jordan Pickford’s near post to give the hosts the lead.
Despite falling behind, Everton enjoyed long spells of possession and applied steady pressure.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was called into action to deny Jack Grealish, who tested the Spaniard with a powerful effort as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
However, Everton’s dominance failed to produce a breakthrough, and Chelsea struck again just before the interval.
A swift counter-attack caught the visitors off guard, and after Pedro Neto delivered a low cut-back into the box, Gusto arrived to convert from close range, doubling the home side’s advantage against the run of play.
Everton had opportunities to reduce the deficit in the second half. Carlos Alcaraz delivered an inviting cross to the back post, but Grealish, unmarked, sent his effort wide of the target.
Chelsea nearly added a third goal when Reece James took a quick free-kick that forced Pickford into a sharp save, tipping the ball over the bar.
The visitors came agonisingly close to giving themselves hope when Iliman Ndiaye surged into the penalty area and struck a shot that cannoned back off the inside of the post, summing up Everton’s frustrating afternoon in front of goal.
Chelsea managed the closing stages effectively, preserving their clean sheet and securing a much-needed victory.
For Palmer, the goal was a welcome return to the scoresheet after a long absence, while for Chelsea, the result provided renewed belief as they look to build consistency heading into a demanding run of fixtures.
