Chelsea Boost Champions League Hopes with Narrow Win Over Everton
Chelsea moved closer to securing a Champions League spot with a 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson scored the only goal of the game, firing into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Enzo Maresca in the first half. It was the Senegalese striker’s first goal in four months.
Despite creating several chances, the Blues were kept at bay by a determined Everton defence and a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made key saves, especially from Noni Madueke.
Cole Palmer also missed an opportunity to end his three-month goal drought, as Chelsea endured a nervy final 15 minutes.
The win lifts Enzo Maresca’s side to fourth place with 60 points, just one point behind Manchester City, who are not playing in the league this weekend due to FA Cup commitments.
With the Premier League’s top five teams qualifying for the Champions League this season, Chelsea’s hopes of returning to Europe’s top competition are firmly alive.
