The Chelsea player who was so good he even got a standing ovation from Stamford Bridge vs Everton

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Chelsea sent a message to their Champions League-chasing rivals with a narrow 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues started quickly and were rewarded for a strong first half display with Nicolas Jackson’s first goal of 2025 as he struck from range, much to his own relief.

The second half it was the turn of the defensive players to step up and protect the three points. Robert Sanchez produced a sublime save late on to deny Dwight McNeil.

Enzo Maresca was forced to watch the game from the the stands after serving a suspension for picking up too many yellow cards, however will have been impressed with what he saw as Willy Caballero held the fort well.

Romeo Lavia given standing ovation for performance during Chelsea vs Everton

The biggest moment before the game even started was the sight of Romeo Lavia in the starting side for the first time since January, after suffering more injury problems in recent months.

His presence saw Moises Caicedo return to a less familiar position, although Peter Crouch believes Caicedo invented a new role by him continuing to invert into midfield.

Lavia impressed in the middle of the park with his composure on the ball, and his ability to launch attacks whilst under pressure from opposition players was a real positive.

The Stamford Bridge crowd were full of praise for the Belgian, giving him a standing ovation as he left the field to be replaced by Reece James.

Lavia’s presence a Champions League lifeline for Chelsea

Many believe Chelsea should not have got themselves in a position where they are scrapping for a position in the top five, however that is where they find themselves in with four games of the season to go.

The Blues have really been missing Lavia in the heart of midfield, and even though James has been learning the trade of midfield he has not performed to the same levels.

Chelsea likely need to win up to three of their remaining games in order to secure themselves a place amongst Europe’s elite next season, and while the Blues have been missing Lavia for so long, he has returned at a perfect time to have a say on the end of the campaign.