After four matches without a win, Chelsea finally returned to winning ways at Stamford Bridge against a very underwhelming Everton side. Enzo Maresca’s men secured a comfortable 2–0 victory.
- Chelsea 2-0 Everton : Palmer 21’, Gusto 45’
Palmer is back
With Cole Palmer back in the starting lineup, Chelsea were determined to put an end to their four-game winless run. The opposition was not entirely straightforward on paper: although Everton had not won at Stamford Bridge since 1994, the Toffees have shown they can deliver away from home, as demonstrated by their win at Old Trafford. Chelsea therefore approached the match with focus and discipline. Lacking creativity at times but ruthless in execution, the Blues broke the deadlock through the inevitable Cole Palmer. Played in behind by Malo Gusto, the outstanding Englishman fired past Jordan Pickford. Chelsea then pushed for a second goal, with Garnacho missing two clear chances. As the tempo began to drop, Chelsea struck again through Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger beat his man and squared the ball for Malo Gusto, who finished to make it 2–0.
Chelsea went into halftime with a two-goal cushion, and the pace noticeably slowed in the second half—largely due to Palmer’s substitution as a precaution. Nevertheless, the English playmaker showed he is truly back. Chelsea may regret not extending their lead, with further chances missed by Garnacho and poor decision-making from the João Pedro–Gittens partnership. Still, the main objective was achieved: Chelsea finally secured a December victory ahead of a tricky trip to Newcastle.
| 4 | Chelsea | 28 |
| 8 | Everton | 24 |