Chelsea 2–0 Everton: Palmer and Gusto Inspire Crucial Stamford Bridge Victory

Chelsea returned to winning ways at Stamford Bridge with a confident 2–0 victory over Everton, ending their four-match winless run and restoring much-needed momentum to Enzo Maresca’s campaign. After a difficult stretch away from home, the Blues produced a composed performance built on sharp attacking transitions and solid defensive organisation.

Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Sánchez in goal behind a back four of Cucurella, Chalobah, Fofana and Gusto. Enzo Fernández and captain Reece James formed the midfield pairing, while Garnacho and Neto operated on the wings, with Cole Palmer as the central creator behind João Pedro, who led the line. Everton set up with Pickford in goal, supported by O’Brien, captain Tarkowski, Keane and Mykolenko. Gana and Garner anchored midfield, while Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish provided support behind striker Thierno Barry.

The match began with a setback for Everton as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was forced off injured after just 13 minutes, disrupting the visitors’ structure early on. Chelsea capitalised soon after. In the 21st minute, Malo Gusto lively throughout the afternoon drifted forward and slid the ball into Cole Palmer, who finished neatly at the near post to make it 1–0. After struggling creatively in recent weeks, this moment of precision sparked confidence across the pitch.

Palmer’s opener felt like a timely reminder of his growing influence in this Chelsea side and a welcome sign that he is rediscovering his rhythm after a stop-start spell with fitness issues. His finish carried the confidence and composure that defined his breakout year and visibly lifted the team.

Beyond the goal, Palmer’s movement, touch, and willingness to receive between the lines highlighted a player returning to full sharpness, offering Chelsea the creativity and calm decision-making they have lacked in recent matches.

Everton attempted to regroup but struggled to impose themselves, finishing the match with just 42% possession and only two shots on target, compared to Chelsea’s five. The Blues continued to build rhythm and were rewarded again in first-half stoppage time. Robert Sánchez launched a quick throw to Gusto, who surged into Everton territory and released Pedro Neto down the right.

Neto cut the ball back to Gusto arriving in the box, and the full-back tapped home to make it 2–0, completing a brilliantly executed counter-attack.

The second half saw Everton attempt to claw their way back into the contest. Jack Grealish forced Sánchez into a save with a strong header on 66 minutes one of just two saves the Chelsea goalkeeper had to make. At the other end, Jordan Pickford was kept busier, making three saves to prevent a heavier scoreline. Everton struggled to create sustained danger, with many efforts blocked they recorded four blocked shots but rarely forced Chelsea’s back line into panic.

A late flurry from the visitors saw Ndiaye hit the post in the 86th minute and Alcaraz have an effort blocked shortly after, but the Toffees’ surge came far too late. Despite earning seven corners to Chelsea’s four, Everton lacked cutting edge in decisive moments. Fouls reflected the physical nature of the contest, with Everton committing 11 to Chelsea’s 13, but the hosts maintained their composure where it mattered.

Defensively, Chelsea were excellent. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah combined once again to keep a clean sheet, dealing effectively with Everton’s direct play and aerial threat. Reece James, operating in midfield, continued to showcase his growing influence in Maresca’s system, blending defensive intelligence with smooth ball progression.

Chelsea’s superior quality in both boxes proved decisive. The victory lifts them back toward the Champions League places and restores belief after a difficult spell. Everton, meanwhile, were left frustrated, having offered too little too late and failing to turn their brief momentum into goals.