Chelsea got back to winning ways after four matches without a victory as they earned a 2-0 win at home to Everton.
Cole Palmer gave them the lead midway through the first half, and it was the man who assisted the goal, Malo Gusto, who netted their second just before the break when he converted from Pedro Neto’s cross.
Chelsea held on in the second half, despite Iliman Ndiaye hitting the post late on for Everton. For the hosts, it was a much-needed win and a clean sheet to boot.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Stamford Bridge to run the rule over the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez 7
Kept a clean sheet and made a fantastic fingertip save from Jack Grealish’s header.
Malo Gusto 9
Chelsea’s man of the match. Assisted the opener, scored the second, and put in a tireless, defensive display.
Trevoh Chalobah 7
Put in some really important challenges whenever Everton were threatening to pull one back.
Wesley Fofana 7
One fantastic interception got Chelsea out of trouble early in the second half, and his passing was positive, leading to Palmer’s opening goal. Assured display.
Marc Cucurella 6
Some good moments defensively but left the attacking to other members of the back-line, notably Gusto.
Enzo Fernandez 6
Kept the midfield ticking over and tried to keep Chelsea going forward and looking for more.
Reece James 8
Another outstanding midfield display from the Chelsea captain, who was always open and unmarked and drove the Blues forward. Nearly scored a free-kick but for Jordan Pickford’s great save.
Alejandro Garnacho 6
Gave Jake O’Brien a tough time of it but was extremely wasteful in front of goal.
Cole Palmer 8
Only given a 57-minute run-out, but that was enough for the Englishman to get himself back on the scoresheet and show Chelsea fans what they were missing during his spell out injured.
Pedro Neto 6
Not the most influential player on the pitch for Chelsea, but incisive work did see him set up Gusto’s goal and grab an assist.
Joao Pedro 5
Some nice touches, but committed a fair few fouls out of frustration and couldn’t muster a clear sight of goal.
Subs
Andrey Santos (Palmer, 57’) 5
A bundle of energy when he came on but missed a huge chance with a ballooned finish.
Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 65’) 6
Bright when he came on for the final 25 minutes of the game.
Estevao Willian (Joao Pedro, 81’) N/A
Not used: Jorgesen, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato, Acheampong, Guiu
