Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Jackson ends goal drought in much-needed win

Nicolas Jackson’s first goal since December provided a major boost to Chelsea’s Champions League qualification hopes as they beat Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Jackson drilled home from just outside the area in the 27th minute, having been fed by Enzo Fernandez after Everton striker Beto lost possession cheaply inside his own half.

That strike ensured Chelsea took full advantage of Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa being in FA Cup action this weekend.

But they had to come through an Everton onslaught in the second half, with the Toffees vastly improved by David Moyes’ 64th-minute introductions of Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti and Ashley Young.

After Beto had worked Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box, the Chelsea goalkeeper made a stunning save to keep out McNeil’s close-range volley in the 87th minute.

Everton also felt Sanchez was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty in the first half, having come off his line to punch and only succeeded in clattering Vitalii Mykolenko.

Jordan Pickford twice denied Noni Madueke at the other end and Jackson had a potential second goal disallowed for offside, but his first-half strike was ultimately enough for Enzo Maresca’s men.

The result takes them fourth in the table, one point behind City and above Forest on goal difference, though Newcastle United could overtake them when they host Ipswich Town later on Saturday. Everton stay 13th.

13 – Nicolas Jackson has scored his first goal in 13 Premier League appearances, ending his longest run without scoring in the competition. It was his 24th Premier League goal overall, but the first to come from outside the box. Awaited. pic.twitter.com/W6hE2ifNUF

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 26, 2025

Data debrief: Jackson makes the difference

Jackson’s goal here was his first in 13 Premier League appearances, ending his longest goal drought in the competition (12 games).

It was his 24th goal overall in the English top flight, but his first to be scored from outside the penalty area.