Palmer ends goal drought as Chelsea beat Everton to return to winning ways

Cole Palmer marked his return to the scoresheet as Chelsea snapped a four-match winless streak with a 2–0 Premier League victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge, Sport360NG reports.

The 23-year-old forward, making just his seventh appearance of the season after a lengthy absence with a groin injury, opened the scoring in the 21st minute with England manager Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands. Malo Gusto, who provided the assist for Palmer’s strike, capped an impressive first-half display by adding a second shortly before the interval.

Everton began brightly and controlled the opening exchanges, with Iliman Ndiaye twice testing Chelsea’s defence and James Garner also threatening from range. However, Palmer’s composed finish settled the hosts after a difficult start to December that had seen defeats at Leeds and Atalanta, as well as a draw at Bournemouth.

Played through by Gusto, Palmer showed his trademark calm, taking a touch before wrong-footing Jordan Pickford and finishing into the near corner. The goal shifted the momentum decisively in Chelsea’s favour.

The home side grew in confidence and created several opportunities. Alejandro Garnacho spurned a number of chances, including a glaring miss after capitalising on a poor back pass from substitute Carlos Alcaraz, moments after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was forced off injured against his former club.

Both Enzo Fernandez and Jack Grealish went close before Chelsea doubled their advantage just before half-time, Gusto reacting quickest to convert Pedro Neto’s cross.

Everton had opportunities after the break but failed to capitalise. Garnacho scooped a close-range effort over the bar before being withdrawn, while Grealish saw a header saved and later volleyed wide. Ndiaye struck the post late on, and Trevoh Chalobah made a crucial block to deny Alcaraz inside the area.

Chelsea’s sharper finishing ultimately proved the difference, as the result strengthened their hold on fourth place in the table. Everton remain eighth, having played a game more than several teams around them.

Palmer’s Timely Boost

The goal carried added significance for Palmer, who had gone 87 days without scoring and had not found the net in the league since September. Still managing a recurring groin issue, he is among a group of Chelsea players whose minutes are being carefully managed under Enzo Maresca.

The timing of his return to form was notable, with Tuchel in attendance as he assesses options ahead of World Cup selection. Competition for attacking midfield places remains fierce, with several rivals strengthening their claims in recent months.

For Palmer, every appearance now carries added weight, both in helping Chelsea maintain their push near the top of the table and in keeping himself firmly in international contention despite ongoing fitness challenges.