Chelsea vs Everton: Palmer stars as Maresca's Blues return to winning ways

The breakthrough came via the returning Cole Palmer, who finished a measured pass from Malo Gusto to score his first goal since September.

Alejandro Garnacho missed a clear chance to quickly double the lead, bending his shot inches wide. Everton failed to capitalize on a good opportunity when James Tarkowski headed wide from a corner, a miss that proved costly.

Chelsea doubled their advantage just before halftime as Gusto finished a lightning-quick counter-attack, sweeping the ball home at the near post.

Despite Garnacho creating further chances early in the second half, Everton failed to establish any control or threaten a comeback.

Chelsea effectively stifled their opponents, cruising to three crucial points that significantly boosted their top-four aspirations.

The loss stalled Everton’s recent momentum, though they remain firmly in the race for European qualification.