Cole Palmer marked his return with a much-needed goal as Chelsea beat Everton 2–0 in the Premier League on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run in all competitions.
The victory at Stamford Bridge lifted Chelsea back into the top four.
The injury-hit attacking midfielder had missed Chelsea’s midweek defeat away to Atalanta as he continued his recovery from a two-month absence. Palmer was initially sidelined by a groin problem before fracturing a toe after an accident at home.
The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth and looked sharp again against Everton.
Palmer broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Malo Gusto before firing past Jordan Pickford at the near post.
Everton enjoyed spells of possession and threatened an equaliser, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez producing a fine save to deny Jack Grealish.
However, the visitors failed to capitalise on their pressure, and Chelsea doubled their advantage against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. A swift counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cut-back from Pedro Neto to make it 2–0.
Everton had a chance to reduce the deficit when Carlos Alcaraz curled a cross to the back post, but an unmarked Grealish diverted his effort wide.
Chelsea almost added a third after the break when Reece James caught Everton napping with a quick free-kick, only for Pickford to tip the ball over the bar.
Everton came close to a lifeline late on as Iliman Ndiaye burst into the box, but his effort struck the inside of the post and bounced clear.
The win provides a timely boost for Chelsea as they regain momentum heading into the busy run of fixtures ahead.
