Cole Palmer marked his return with a crucial goal as Chelsea defeated Everton 2–0 in the Premier League on Saturday, snapping a four-match winless run in all competitions.
The win at Stamford Bridge lifted Chelsea back into the top four.
Palmer, who has been sidelined for two months, missed Chelsea’s Champions League defeat away to Atalanta on Tuesday as he continued his recovery. The 23-year-old had initially struggled with a groin injury before fracturing a toe after accidentally hitting it against a door at home.
The England international made his first start since September in last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth and made an immediate impact against Everton. He opened the scoring in the 21st minute, latching onto a precise pass from Malo Gusto and firing past Jordan Pickford at the near post.
Everton enjoyed the bulk of possession, forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez into a fine save from Jack Grealish. However, their dominance failed to produce an equaliser.
Chelsea doubled their advantage against the run of play in first-half stoppage time, as a swift counter-attack ended with Gusto converting a cut-back from Pedro Neto.
Everton had opportunities to reduce the deficit. Carlos Alcaraz delivered a teasing cross to the back post, but the unmarked Grealish sent his effort wide. Pickford later denied Chelsea a third, tipping Reece James’s quick free-kick over the bar.
The visitors also came close to a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye surged into the area, only to see his shot strike the inside of the post.
