Nicolas Jackson ended a Premier League goal drought stretching back to December 2024 as Chelsea rose up to fourth in the table with a nervy 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Toffees boss David Moyes had failed to win any of his previous 19 away games against Chelsea in the Premier League, and his quest for lucky number 20 got off to a bad start as Jackson opened the scoring with his first goal in 13 top-flight matches.
Jackson's first Premier League goal of 2024 did not spur the Blues on to go for more, and the hosts needed Robert Sanchez to save their bacon on a couple of occasions when Everton began to turn the screw in the second half.
However, thanks to the steadfast defensive efforts of Sanchez and his defenders, Chelsea - who were managed by Willy Caballero due to Enzo Maresca's suspension - clung on for the success that saw them enhance their Champions League credentials.
The Blues have now leapfrogged Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest into the top four of the Premier League standings, although they only lead the latter on goal difference, while Everton stay 13th, marginally above Manchester United.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© IconSport
It would have come as no surprise to anyone that Chelsea vs. Everton was a low-scoring affair, but a narrow win and three points suits the Blues down to the ground while they continue to fight on two fronts this season.
At a time where Maresca's side are being heavily linked with a move for Ipswich Town marksman Liam Delap, Jackson picked an ideal time to finally snap his Premier League goal drought, and what a finish it was from the ex-Villarreal man.
However, Chelsea will be under no illusions that they were second best throughout much of the second half, but the previously error-prone Sanchez spared his team's blushes multiple times with assertiveness and brilliant reactions in between the posts.
Disdain towards Maresca's philosophy and play style may not die down after another unconvincing performance, but having got through with maximum spoils and no injuries ahead of their Conference League semi-finals, it is job done in that regard.
An Everton side with little to play for can reflect positively on their second-half display, but they still cannot shake the Stamford Bridge curse; the Toffees have now gone winless in each of their last 30 Premier League away games against Chelsea.
CHELSEA VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
Nicolas Jackson goal vs. Everton (27th min, Chelsea 1-0 Everton)
What a strike that is 👏
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 26, 2025
Nicolas Jackson fires Chelsea ahead just before the half-hour mark!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/aEIdJwiM0m
Just four touches after Everton lose the ball, Chelsea score the first goal of the Premier League weekend! Trevoh Chalobah steps in on Beto in the centre circle and prods a pass to Enzo Fernandez, who wastes no time in feeding Jackson.
The Senegalese striker produces a fine touch and turn with his left foot, before switching to his right and finding the far corner with a brilliant strike from the edge of the D, ending a 12-game Premier League scoring drought in the process.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ROBERT SANCHEZ
© Imago
Chelsea number one Sanchez still holds the unwanted honour of making the joint-most errors leading to a goal in the current Premier League season, but the Spaniard stepped up when his side needed him most in that second half.
Sanchez made two crucial saves down to his left to keep out Beto and Dwight McNeil, and the 27-year-old was equally impressive in the air, confidently coming for and claiming crosses to earn himself a hard-earned clean sheet.
CHELSEA VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 55%-45% Everton
Shots: Chelsea 10-6 Everton
Shots on target: Chelsea 7-3 Everton
Corners: Chelsea 10-2 Everton
Fouls: Chelsea 11-10 Everton
BEST STATS
13 - Nicolas Jackson has scored his first goal in 13 Premier League appearances, ending his longest run without scoring in the competition. It was his 24th Premier League goal overall, but the first to come from outside the box. Awaited. pic.twitter.com/W6hE2ifNUF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 26, 2025
Enzo Fernández (7) has provided more Premier League assists this season than:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 26, 2025
Martin Odegaard
James Maddison
Dominik Szoboszlai
Matheus Cunha
Luis Diaz
Jeremy Doku
Phil Foden pic.twitter.com/ZBVq1U8Dwm
Chelsea's last 30 Premier League home games against Everton:
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 26, 2025
DDWWDWWWDWWDDDDDWWWWDWWDWWDDWW
It's the Blues' longest unbeaten home run against an opponent in their league history. 💪 pic.twitter.com/4wx0vNjPOp
David Moyes has now won just ONE of his 77 Premier League away games against Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 26, 2025
✅ 1 win
🤝 21 draws
❌ 55 losses
💻 @Squawka pic.twitter.com/vqqupmV3pT
WHAT NEXT?
From the Champions League fight to the Conference League fight, Chelsea travel to Djurgarden for the first leg of their European semi-final on Thursday, three days before a blockbuster Premier League battle with champions-elect Liverpool.
As for Everton, Moyes's men have a week to recuperate from Saturday's exertions before they host Ipswich Town on May 3, the penultimate game at Goodison Park.
Ben Knapton
