Chelsea temporarily returned to the Champions League places as they held on to a narrow 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge over Everton.
Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal of 2025 in the first half to give the Blues the win, while manager Enzo Maresca watched on from the stands due to suspension.
The Blues were made to work hard for all three points however protected their record of never losing to David Moyes at Stamford Bridge.
The performance was by no means perfect, and Chelsea looked to their goalkeeper to bail them out on a number of ocassions in the second half.
The Chelsea Chronicle have given out their player ratings for the big win for the home side at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez: 7/10
Robert Sanchez looks set to continue as the Premier League goalkeeper for the rest of the season, and a few massive saves in the second half kept them ahead in the game.
Despite the clean sheet, there were a number of nervy moments, particularly from crosses launched into the Chelsea box.
Moises Caicedo: 7/10
Started at right-back but constantly inverted into midfield, the position he ended up finishing in.
Moises Caicedo continued to prove why he is one of the best players in the Premier League, and won some important duels as Everton pushed for an equaliser.
Trevoh Chalobah: 7/10
Was probably the better of the two starting centre-backs, and showed a cool head when Chelsea were under pressure in the second half from their opponents.
Trevoh Chalobah overall put in a good case for the position in the back four for the rest of the season ahead of the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo.
Levi Colwill: 6/10
Levi Colwill was up against it physically with the presence of Beto up front, with the striker seeming to target him out of the two centre-backs.
The Englishman remained good when in possession but could’ve been caught out when the Everton striker had their best effort saved by Sanchez.
Marc Cucurella: 8/10
Despite clearly being targeted by long balls in the opening moments, Marc Cucurella enjoyed another brilliant outing yet again as he continues to prove his importance to the club.
Was part of the back three but still managed to contribute in the final third as the Blues pressed for more goals.
Enzo Fernandez: 7/10
Picked up the assist for Jackson’s goal with a quick ball forwards after a turnover, but Enzo Fernandez was equally good at both ends of the pitch in a really strong performance.
Worked well with both players he was partnered with at different times in midfield, and most attacks went through the Argentine, who at times was higher up the pitch than the entire Chelsea attack.
Romeo Lavia: 6/10
A few nervy touches early on for Romeo Lavia as he made his first appearance for more than three months for Chelsea in midfield.
These were quickly overshadowed by his ability to recieve the ball and get teh Blues moving, before he was replaced by Reece James.
Cole Palmer: 6/10
Cole Palmer operated in a far deeper role than he probably would have liked, however his position allowed the Blues’ wingers to continue to look dangerous.
While he was unable to break his own goalscoring drought, there were signs he could do a different job that facilitates his fellow attackers.
Pedro Neto: 7/10
Pedro Neto was rewarded for his brilliant late goal against Fulham with another start on the right, and while he didn’t carry much direct goal threat he was an issue all afternoon.
Vitaliy Mykolenko struggled with the Portugal international from the first minute, and Neto kept himself in contention to start the remaining crucial games this season.
Noni Madueke: 7/10
Despite starting in the less familiar left wing role, Noni Madueke looked dangerous with his direct running both inside and outside the full-back.
Was unlucky to not find the net on a number of ocassions as he continues his good form since returning from injury.
Nicolas Jackson: 7/10
A few frustrating in the early moments were put to bed when Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal of 2025 from just outisde the penalty area.
Everything in the build up is far from perfect still, but the goal could be a turning point for his and Chelsea’s season.
Reece James: 6/10
Brought an air of composure to a game that was really lacking it before his introduction.
Reece James‘ position in this Chelsea side is up in the air, but when available it should always be somewhere on the pitch.
Jadon Sancho: N/A
Tyrique George: N/A
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: N/A
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