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Cole Palmer marked his first Stamford Bridge start in nearly four months with a goal as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 to climb back into the Premier League’s top four.
The England forward, returning after a groin injury that has disrupted his season, opened the scoring in the 21st minute, calmly sweeping home from Malo Gusto’s incisive pass to end Chelsea’s four-game winless run.
According to ESPN, Gusto, fresh from scoring the first goal of his senior career in November, then turned scorer again just before half-time, finishing from Pedro Neto’s cross to double the hosts’ advantage.
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Everton arrived in west London buoyed by four wins in five league games and hoping to end a barren run at Stamford Bridge dating back to 1994, with manager David Moyes still seeking his first victory at the ground.
However, Palmer’s influence ensured Chelsea remained firmly in control.
The goal was Palmer’s first from open play at home since January, capping a difficult year that has seen him struggle with two significant injuries.
Chelsea’s fortunes have closely mirrored Palmer’s form. His lean spell last season coincided with the team’s slide from second place into a battle for a top-four finish, and his return again brought fluency and control to Enzo Maresca’s side.
Palmer was withdrawn shortly before the hour mark as Chelsea managed his workload.
Everton had shown early promise but were unsettled by the opening goal.
Their best chance came just before the break when Idrissa Gueye crossed from the right, with Thierno Barry inches away from converting at the far post.
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