Chelsea regain control as Palmer leads 2-0 win over Everton | OneFootball

Chelsea steady nerves as Everton threat fades at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea found calm where there had been anxiety, producing a composed 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge to halt a four-game winless run. Against visitors who arrived in confident mood, the hosts leaned on efficiency rather than dominance, scoring twice before half time and managing the contest thereafter.

Everton set the early rhythm. Iliman Ndiaye twice tested Chelsea’s resolve inside the opening 20 minutes, while James Garner also threatened as the away side pressed high and played with conviction. Chelsea, edgy and loose in possession, looked momentarily trapped in the drift of recent weeks.

That changed with one sharp movement and a finish that carried a sense of relief around the stadium.

Palmer delivers moment Chelsea craved

Cole Palmer’s first goal since September arrived after 21 minutes, and it felt heavier than a routine opener. Managing a groin injury that has disrupted his season, the 23 year old met Malo Gusto’s pass in stride, took a touch, and steered the ball past Jordan Pickford at the near post. England manager Thomas Tuchel watched from the stands as the aptly nicknamed ‘Cold’ Palmer altered the temperature of the afternoon.

Chelsea’s confidence followed quickly. Everton’s authority ebbed, replaced by hesitation at the back and missed chances further forward. Alejandro Garnacho spurned an open goal after capitalising on Carlos Alcaraz’s loose back pass, shortly after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was forced off injured against his former club.

The second goal, just before the interval, carried the same theme. Pedro Neto’s cross caused uncertainty, and Gusto reacted quickest to double Chelsea’s lead. It was a reward for the right back’s energy, having already played a decisive role in the opener.

Everton chances but cutting edge missing

In the second half Garnacho scooped a close range effort over before making way for Jamie Gittens. Jack Grealish headed straight at the goalkeeper and later volleyed wide when a goal seemed inevitable. Ndiaye struck the post late on, while Trevoh Chalobah produced a vital block to deny Alcaraz inside the box.

The opportunities were there, but Everton lacked the precision that Chelsea found when it mattered. Superior finishing, rather than control, proved the difference.

Selection pressure and season context

For Palmer, the goal carried wider meaning. It had been 87 days since his last strike and three days more since he last scored in the Premier League. This was only his seventh appearance of the season, following two understandably rusty outings at Leeds and Bournemouth after more than two months out.

Before kick off, Enzo Maresca explained that Palmer now belongs to a group of Chelsea players who cannot start two games in the same week, such is the care required around his recurring groin problem. With Tuchel weighing World Cup options and competition fierce from Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze, every appearance counts.

Chelsea consolidated fourth place with this win. Everton remain eighth, having played a game more than most around them. For both, the margins felt clear, and on this afternoon, Chelsea took theirs.