Chelsea edged past Everton at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 victory that keeps their hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League alive.
Nicolas Jackson’s first-half strike proved the difference in a game where the Blues dominated possession but struggled to kill the contest.
Enzo Maresca’s side now sit fifth in the Premier League, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with both sides having played the same number of games. The race for the top four remains wide open heading into the final few weeks.
As it happened
Chelsea controlled the early stages and were rewarded after 27 minutes. Enzo Fernández found Jackson on the edge of the box, and the striker turned smartly before firing a low shot beyond Pickford to make it 1-0.
The hosts looked likely to extend their lead before half-time, with Cucurella and Madueke both going close, but Everton held firm.
After the break, the visitors improved and carved out a golden opportunity when McNeil’s volley seemed destined for the bottom corner, only for Sánchez to produce a stunning diving save.
Despite late Everton pressure, Chelsea held on for a crucial win, although they missed chances to put the game beyond doubt.
Maresca’s men will need greater ruthlessness in front of goal as they prepare for a decisive run-in in the race for Champions League qualification.
The lineups
CHE: Sánchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernández, Lavia; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
EVE: Pickford; Patterson, Branthwaite, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Harrison, Doucouré, Ndiaye; Beto