Chelsea Edge Everton 1-0: Nicolas Jackson Lifts Blues Into Champions League Race
Chelsea Climb to Fourth After Gritty Win at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea aren’t out of the race for a European spot—in fact, they might be hitting form at just the right time. Their tense 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge put Chelsea back into the driver’s seat for a Champions League place, as Chelsea now sit fourth on 60 points, just one behind Manchester City. The pressure cooker that is the top of the Premier League table just got a little hotter.
It was all about finding an edge early, and that moment arrived when Nicolas Jackson slotted home his first goal since December. The 27th minute saw James Garner misplace a pass under pressure—an unforced error Everton were immediately punished for. Enzo Fernández picked up the loose ball and sliced open Everton’s defence, threading a perfect ball through to Jackson. One-on-one with Jordan Pickford, Jackson made no mistake with his low drive into the corner and Stamford Bridge erupted.
That goal meant much more than three points; it was a sigh of relief for Jackson, who had gone four long months without scoring. The nerves were clear, but the finish showed a striker still trusting his instincts. Chelsea, who have been under scrutiny for their patchy attack, found the breakthrough just in time.
Late-Game Heroics: Goalkeepers Take Center Stage
While goals get the headlines, the men between the sticks were just as crucial. Everton came close in the second half—really close. Beto’s thumping effort just after the hour mark forced Robert Sánchez into a lightning-fast block. Not long after, Idrissa Gueye’s break threatened an equalizer, but Sánchez again stood tall, throwing himself in the way of the shot. Coming off a string of shaky games, Sánchez looked sharp, reactive, and totally locked in.
Everton’s own shot-stopper, Jordan Pickford, reminded everyone why he’s held in such regard. He shut down Noni Madueke from close range and then denied Cole Palmer, who still can’t seem to buy a goal after three goalless months. Both chances could’ve buried Everton, but Pickford somehow kept them alive in the contest.
The lineups told a story of managers taking risks. Maresca, suspended and forced to watch from the stands, started a blend of youth and experience. Palmer and Madueke were busy but wasteful, while Fernández worked tirelessly in midfield. When Raheem James and George replaced the fading legs of Lavia and Jackson late on, the plan was clear: consolidate and hit Everton on the break.
Everton, for their part, mixed things up by throwing on Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil. The latter had the Toffees’ last gasp, bursting down the left but seeing his low effort deflected wide. Sean Dyche’s side pushed, but lacked the composure or killer instinct up front to really trouble Chelsea late on.
The pressure now mounts for Everton, who remain 13th with 38 points. The threat of slipping further down the table is very real, especially with relentless fixtures ahead. For Chelsea, just a single point off third-placed City, the win sends a message: they’re back in the hunt, and Champions League nights at Stamford Bridge might just be on the cards again.