Chelsea continue their home dominance against the Toffees with a 2-0 win in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, extending their unbeaten home streak versus the Merseyside side to 31 games. The longest such run against any team in the club’s league history.
The game began slowly as an injury to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall interrupted the flow during his initial comeback at Chelsea. Yet once they found their footing, Enzo Maresca’s team started to take control, dominating possession and setting the pace.
Cole Palmer, greatly missed throughout his injury layoff, celebrated his comeback impressively. The midfielder broke the deadlock by slotting in Malo Gusto’s accurate delivery, netting his first goal since September. Chelsea looked to extend their lead after Alejandro Garnacho just missed bending a chance wide after carving out room at the box’s edge.
James Tarkowski had Everton’s opportunity in the first half, but his header from a corner went just wide of the far post. That miss was expensive as Chelsea extended their lead in stoppage time. Gusto, who had assisted the opening goal, completed a counter-attack by slotting the ball in at the near post.
Garnacho continued to be active after the interval, creating opportunities that did not challenge the goalkeeper, whereas Palmer was substituted shortly after the second half began. Even with the changes made by David Moyes, Everton found it hard to establish any sort of control as Chelsea comfortably controlled the match.
The win pushes Chelsea’s chance for a top-four finish, while Everton, despite a decent run of good form, was left frustrated as their momentum ended.
