Chelsea’s Cole Palmer netted his first goal since September, helping Chelsea break a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 win against a strong Everton side at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old forward, who has been dealing with a groin injury that sidelined him for over two months, scored the opening goal in the 21st minute in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Right-back Malo Gusto, who assisted Palmer’s goal, added a second just before halftime.
Everton started strong, dominating the first 20 minutes with Iliman Ndiaye taking two shots on goal and James Garner coming close to scoring.
However, Palmer, nicknamed ‘Cold,’ eased Chelsea’s tension after a disappointing start to December, which included losses to Leeds and Atalanta and a draw with Bournemouth.
After being played in behind Everton’s defense by Gusto, Palmer took a touch before sending goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way with a shot into the near post.
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Chelsea then gained momentum. Alejandro Garnacho missed several opportunities, including a shot wide of an open goal after taking advantage of a poor back pass from substitute Carlos Alcaraz, shortly after injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall left the pitch against his former team.
Both Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Everton’s Jack Grealish had chances before the home team doubled their lead just before the break, with Gusto reacting quickly to convert Pedro Neto’s cross.
In the second half, Garnacho shot over from close range before being substituted for Jamie Gittens. Grealish had a header saved and volleyed wide an opportunity he should have converted while Ndiaye struck the post late on, and Trevoh Chalobah blocked another shot from Alcaraz inside the box.
Chelsea’s superior finishing was key to their victory, securing them fourth place in the Premier League, while Everton remained in eighth, having played one more game than most of their competitors.
