Chelsea secured a crucial victory against Everton, though their performance was far from convincing. Nicolas Jackson`s first-half goal was enough to seal the points against an Everton side already safe from relegation and showing little intensity at Stamford Bridge. This passive approach from the visitors was perhaps fortunate for Enzo Maresca`s team, as a more motivated opponent might have capitalized on Chelsea`s display.
Ultimately, securing the win was the priority. For now, this result lifts Chelsea into the Premier League`s top five. If they can maintain this position after their final match against Nottingham Forest, it will represent meeting the seasonal objective set upon Maresca`s arrival, regardless of the performance quality.
Throughout much of 2025, Chelsea has demonstrated control in possession but often struggled to translate this into genuine attacking threat. They easily advance the ball into the final third but frequently appear uncertain or uninspired about what to do next. Moises Caicedo`s inverted role from right-back, among other tactical choices, seems indicative of a young team adopting Maresca`s style, which paradoxically appears to make them less penetrative against defenses.
Against a relaxed Everton side with nothing significant left to play for, Chelsea benefited from a defensive lapse. Jordan Pickford`s risky low pass put pressure on Beto in midfield. Trevoh Chalobah dispossessed him from behind, while Enzo Fernandez also closed in. Fernandez quickly fed the ball to Nicolas Jackson, who finished smartly with a low shot past Pickford.
In a Chelsea team often lacking attacking spark, Nicolas Jackson was a clear standout. His movement was intelligent; he frequently dropped deep to receive the ball between Everton`s center-backs rather than engaging in physical duels. He also showed excellent work rate, tracking back to regain possession. Beyond his well-taken goal, he had another disallowed for offside. Despite a recent barren spell, Jackson`s performance suggested he warrants a significant role in Chelsea`s future plans.
Noni Madueke also impressed with his lively presence on the left flank. However, these individual efforts weren`t enough on their own, and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez needed to make crucial late saves from Beto and Dwight McNeil to preserve the lead as Everton pushed for an equalizer despite their overall lack of motivation.
The match against an unmotivated opponent should arguably not have been this challenging. While Chelsea`s top-five destiny remains in their own hands with key matches remaining, repeating such a lackluster performance, particularly away at Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, would likely lead to far more difficult outcomes for the team.
