Chelsea vs Everton LIVE: Nicolas Jackson’s goal earns vital three points for Blues
Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Enzo Maresca’s men move up to fourth in the table
Chelsea earned a vital three points in the race for Europe after defeating Everton 1-0 in a close encounter at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who are aiming to secure a place in the Champions League next year, moved up to fourth in the Premier League table following Nicolas Jackson’s sweeping strike in the first half.
Enzo Maresca’s men were the controlling side, especially in the first half, and forced a couple of decent saves out of Jordan Pickford who was on form yet again for the Toffees. Jackson’s effort, scored from range with a finely directed strike that hit the inside of the far post, defeated the Everton goalkeeper and was a difference maker in the end.
Everton fought back folowing attacking changes from David Moyes but Robert Sanchez made two crucial stops to deny Beto and Dwight McNeil.
Relive the updates from Stamford Bridge below:
Nicolas Jackson finds form at just the right time as Chelsea edge closer to Champions League
Nicolas Jackson ended his long goal drought to fire Chelsea a step nearer to the Champions League with a 1-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
A dominant display was capped by the winning goal scored midway through the first half, the striker’s first since 15 December finished confidently from 20 yards past Jordan Pickford as though he had been scoring every week, as suspended head coach Enzo Maresca watched from the stands.
Jackson finds form at just the right time as Chelsea edge closer to Champions League
Lavia on Jackson's goal
Nicolas Jackson’s strike was the first goal he’s scored from outside the penalty area.
Romeo Lavia added: "He may not have done it in the Premier League, but I have seen him do it loads in training so I am not surprised.
“I am really happy for him."
Romeo Lavia on his return to starting XI
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia said: "I had a lot of fun today being back in the team and helping to get a big win.
“Everton improved in the second half, but that is football. Everyone has their good times."
Reaction from Jordan Pickford
The Everton goalkeeper told TNT Sports: "The first half we weren't good, it was a mistake from Beto for the goal.
“In second half we dominated as Chelsea sat in and took the 1-0. Robert Sanchez made a few good saves so credit to him. We just need to be better in the final third.
"We weren't far off it but that's the Premier League, you get punished."
Shay Given on Final Score:
“It is a big win for Chelsea. That three points is massive and keeps them right in the mix.
“We all think the title race is over, the relegation race is all but over but the Champions League race is on.”
Chelsea now up to fourth
That win is huge for Chelsea.
They move from sixth to fourth and are level on points with Nottingham Forest and one more than Newcastle who both have games in hand.
Chelsea need to keep themselves in the top five to make it into the Champions League and that’s a good start to the remainder of their campaign.
Reaction from Joe Cole on TNT Sports:
“Sitting fourth now with that win is psychologically massive for Chelsea and puts them in a good position for the run in.
“When you see a group of players celebrating like that you know it's been a tough afternoon.
“Everton to their credit came here and made it very, very difficult and had their chances at the end, but it's a good win for Chelsea.”
Full-time! Chelsea 1-0 Everton
90+4 mins: Doucoure flicks a cross into the box and sends it straight into the hands of Robert Sanchez.
It’s the visitors pushing for a late goal but they won’t get one.
For the majority of this match, Chelsea were deserving of their lead but Everton came back into it towards the end but just couldn’t get over the line.
Chelsea earn their three points and that’s a big result for them.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play. Can Everton score to equalise or will Chelsea hold out?
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
87 mins: Save! That could be the moment to win this game for Chelsea!
Everton attack down the left and lift a cross into the box.
Dwight McNeil, off the bench, comes running into the box and volleys a shot at goal.
Robert Sanchez is wrongfooted but pushes back to the right and, fully stretched, palms the ball wide!
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