Jackson Fires Chelsea Into Top Four With Narrow Win Over Everton.
Chelsea moved back into the Champions League places with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The win lifts the Blues to fourth in the Premier League, level on points with Nottingham Forest and one ahead of Newcastle United, who face Ipswich Town later on Saturday. With both Forest and Aston Villa engaged in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend, Chelsea are guaranteed to remain in the top five at least until Thursday, when Forest host Brentford.
Nicolas Jackson ended a 13-match goal drought stretching back to December, striking in the 27th minute with a precise, instinctive effort from 20 yards that found the bottom corner beyond Jordan Pickford.
Although Chelsea were the superior side for much of the match, they were unable to extend their lead. As a result, there were nervy moments late on, particularly given the fiercely contested battle for Champions League qualification and the Blues’ challenging run-in.
Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez proved vital, producing important saves to deny Beto and Dwight McNeil, both with smart low stops to his right.
Enzo Maresca’s side now face a daunting run of fixtures, beginning with a home match against league leaders Liverpool next Sunday, followed by trips to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with Manchester United visiting Stamford Bridge in between.
Meanwhile, Everton’s struggles continued, with Sean Dyche’s side now having won just once in their past nine matches, sitting 13th in the table.
Sánchez and Jackson Deliver When Needed
Following unrest among supporters during Chelsea’s recent 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town, there was a markedly more positive atmosphere at Stamford Bridge despite another unconvincing attacking display.
Serving a touchline ban, Maresca watched from the stands as his team showed greater intensity in their pressing, particularly in the first half. Creativity remained an issue — with Cole Palmer’s goal drought now extending to 17 games — but Chelsea took their chance when it came.
The breakthrough stemmed from a moment of quick thinking by Trevor Chalobah, who dispossessed Beto in the centre circle. Enzo Fernández collected the ball and set up Jackson, who finished clinically for what proved to be the winning goal.
At the other end, Sánchez — often a target for criticism during his time at Chelsea — delivered when it mattered. His crucial interventions, notably from Beto’s long-range strike and McNeil’s late flick, preserved the precious three points. The Spaniard was warmly embraced by team-mates at full-time, with the final whistle greeted by a mixture of relief and celebration among the home fans.
Everton’s Stamford Bridge Struggles Continue
Everton’s poor record at Stamford Bridge extended to 30 league matches without a victory, their last win coming back in 1994.
Their first meaningful effort came on the stroke of half-time, with Abdoulaye Doucouré’s header flying well wide of goal. Everton’s first shot on target did not arrive until the 63rd minute, when Beto tested Sánchez from distance.
Beto’s effort spurred a late rally from the visitors, but despite showing more attacking intent in the final stages, they failed to find an equaliser — the 15th time they have failed to score in a league match this season.
For Dyche’s side, the campaign appears to be petering out. After a strong start under the new manager, Everton have now collected just eight points from their last nine matches, as they drift towards a mid-table finish.