By Abiola Olawale
Chelsea bolstered their Champions League qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge in a thrilling Premier League clash on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson’s first-half strike proved the difference, ending his 2025 goal drought and lifting the Blues to fourth in the Premier League table.
Jackson capitalized on a precise assist from Enzo Fernández, unleashing a sweeping strike from range that beat Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
Despite Chelsea’s control in the first half, Everton, led by David Moyes, fought back after the break.
However, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez stood tall, making two critical saves to deny Everton an equalizer.
Also, Chelsea’s defence, anchored by Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill, held firm to secure the clean sheet.
The victory moves Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League standings, a significant boost in their quest for a Champions League spot.
With five qualification berths available for the 2025-26 season due to England’s strong UEFA coefficient, the race for the top five is fiercely competitive.
