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CHELSEA 2-0 EVERTON: Blues' player ratings in full as Enzo Maresca's side picked up a significant victory against the Toffees at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon
Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a much-needed victory against Everton with the Blues star making his return playing at Stamford Bridge one to remember.
Palmer gave the hosts the advantage, slightly against the run of play, on 21 minutes after being fed by Malo Gusto. The 23-year-old struck what was his first goal in the Premier League since September, in what was his first appearance at Stamford Bridge since August.
Gusto then got on the score sheet himself not long before the half-time break. Pedro Neto took on Vitalii Mykolenko before pulling it back to Gusto, whose finish had too much on it for Jordan Pickford.
In the second-half, Chelsea pushed for a third but were wary of the threat from the visitors going the other way. There were no more goals in the second period, with the home side holding on for a big three points at Stamford Bridge.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Chelsea players:
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez made a couple of really important saves in the first-half. His improvement this season has been tremendous. 7.
Malo Gusto
Returned to the side at right-back, but was essentially playing as a No.10 at times. A fine pass from an inverted position to pick out Palmer for his goal. His energy and tenacity was much appreciated y the Stamford Bridge faithful. His goal was even more appreciated. A fantastic run into the box and a clever first-timed finish past Pickford. 8.
Wesley Fofana
Back in the team after an injury scare in the week. Really impressive, particularly in possession. Played a big part in Palmer's goal. Crucial block on 71 minutes to stop a really dangerous cross from the visitors. Top performance from the Frenchman. 8.
Trevoh Chalobah
An ever-present figure in Enzo Maresca's line-up and that continued this afternoon. Solid performance. Strong on the ball and aggressive in his duels. 6.
Marc Cucurella
Cucurella was very fired up. He usually is, but seemed even more so today. His usual aggressive self off the ball. Looked much better than what we saw in Italy in midweek. 6.
Reece James
After back-to-back 90 minutes', James, rather surprisingly, started his third match on the bounce. Passed it well in the midfield without ever really setting the game alight. 6.
Enzo Fernandez
Really sloppy early on, giving away the ball needlessly on a couple of occasions. Improved as the game went on but not looking his best recently. 5.
Pedro Neto
Started on the right wing. Was one of the only attacking players looking to take the game to Everton in what was a slow start at Stamford Bridge. Got a brilliant assist just before the half-time break, beating Mykolenko before picking out Gusto in the box. 7.
Cole Palmer
Great to see Palmer back - in what was his first appearance at Stamford Bridge since August 17. So good to see him back doing what he does best - scoring. A calm finish past Pickford to give the Blues the advantage. Good to get 58 minutes in the tank. 8.
Alejandro Garnacho
Returned to the side, starting on the left wing. Missed an absolute sitter around 23 minutes into the match. Had to do better. Defensively, he slept at times. Everton's biggest threat was often down the right-hand side with Jake O'Brien overlapping Iliman Ndiaye, and Garnacho needed to be more aware of what was happening. 5.
Joao Pedro
The Brazilian was dropping deep to try and get involved in the game, but he struggled to do so. Did well in the air against the physical Everton centre-backs. 6.
Andrey Santos (on for Palmer 58') -
Came on with just over half an hour of normal time remaining. Nice and tidy in the midfield. 6.
Jamie Gittens (on for Garnacho 65') -
Looked bright for the time he was on. 6.
Estevao Willian (on for Joao Pedro 81')
Not enough time to make an impact. N/A.
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