Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Nicolas Jackson’s strike moves Blues into top four

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Chelsea are undefeated in their last 5 games in the Premier League, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 27th October 2024 to 22nd December 2024, a run of 9 games.

It’s hardly a classic but, in the context of the Champions League race, Chelsea won’t mind at all.

Nicolas Jackson’s first-half strike was the difference and Chelsea move up into fourth as things stand.

90+5 mins: A hopeful last ball is launched into the box from Everton, but James draws the foul from Branthwaite and that, surely, will be that.

90+2 mins: Two changes for Chelsea as Dewsbury-Hall and George come on for Palmer and Jackson.

90 mins: Into four minutes of added time we go…

87 mins: A superb save from Sanchez! The Chelsea shotstopper does superbly to deny McNeil’s effort which looked destined for the bottom corner.

Superb agility to keep the hosts ahead.

85 mins: OFFSIDE! Jackson bundles home the rebound from Cucurella’s effort but the offside flag goes up straight away on the Chelsea forward.

82 mins: Into the final ten minutes we head and there’s a slightly uneasy feeling around Stamford Bridge. It’s been rather comfortable up to this point but, boy, would they love a second goal to make things less nervy.

78 mins: Another change for the hosts as Sancho comes on for the impressive Madueke.

74 mins: SAVE! A wonderful run from Madueke off the left flank, but it’s an equally wonderful save from Pickford who tips the effort around the post to keep his side in the match.

67 mins: Superb technique from Gueye to volley and effort on goal, but it’s straight down the throat of Sanchez who makes the save.

66 mins: And Chelsea turn to their bench now, as Lavia makes way for James. A good return for the Belgian midfielder.

64 mins: And Everton follow that with a triple change as Young, Chermiti and McNeil come on for Patterson, Beto and Harrison.

63 mins: SAVE! Out of nothing, Everton fashion a good opportunity on the turnover, but it’s a strong hand from Sanchez down to his right to deny Beto’s well-hit strike.

59 mins: Chelsea still pressing forward looking for that two-goal cushion. Palmer has still been unusually quiet in this game, with all the threat coming from Madueke and Neto down the respective flanks.

55 mins: Madueke stands a nice ball up to the back post but Mykolenko heads it clear with Neto waiting to pounce beyond him.

50 mins: A brighter start from Everton in this half, who appear happy to throw a bit more caution to the wind as they search for an equaliser. A poor ball into the box sails out for a goal-kick, however, and their attack breaks down.

47 mins: A great driving run from Neto brings him inside the area, but Branthwaite is in the right place again to block it out for a corner.

46 mins: And we’re back underway after the break. Everton make a change as Alcaraz replaces Ndiaye.