Chelsea strengthened their push for a Champions League spot as Nicolas Jackson ended his 13-game goal drought to clinch a vital 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
Jackson found the net in the first half at Stamford Bridge, scoring for the first time since December.
The much-criticized Senegalese striker notched his 10th goal of the campaign, a decisive contribution that moved Enzo Maresca’s side into fourth place in the Premier League.
Following a second straight league win, Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top five received a significant boost. Although they could slip to fifth if Newcastle defeat third-bottom Ipswich later on Saturday, Jackson’s strike kept them firmly in contention for a Champions League return with four matches left.
Despite the critical win, it was another tense outing for Maresca, who has faced criticism for his conservative tactics during his first season at Chelsea.
Maresca barely celebrated last weekend’s 2-1 win at Fulham, leaving the pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting abuse from frustrated supporters.
The former Leicester manager’s cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season.
Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term.
Chelsea are still not firing on all cylinders, but an uplifting climax is within reach as they aim to seal a place in the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League.
– Redemption for Jackson –
Chelsea signaled their attacking intent early as Noni Madueke raced down the left and forced Jordan Pickford into a sharp save.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Everton’s Beto lost possession near the halfway line. Enzo Fernandez delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Jackson, who swiftly turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
Having endured a season troubled by a hamstring injury, Jackson’s goal offered a much-needed boost.
In the midst of a difficult season marred by a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, it was a sweet moment of redemption for Jackson.
Out-played for much of the first half, Everton nearly drew level just before the interval.
Vitalii Mykolenko clipped his pass to Abdoulaye Doucoure and the unmarked midfielder headed wide when he should at least have forced Robert Sanchez to make a save.
Everton were winless in their previous 61 away league games when trailing at half-time since a victory at West Bromwich Albion in 2015.
Pickford denied Madueke early in the second half as the Chelsea winger tried his luck from a tight angle.
Beto carried Everton’s biggest threat and he went close with a low blast from Jack Harrison’s pass, forcing Sanchez to save at full stretch.
Idrissa Gueye should have done better than shoot straight at Sanchez from a good position inside the area.
In stoppage-time, Carlos Alcaraz’s cross reached Dwight McNeil in the area, but Sanchez made an agile save.
Everton’s profligacy proved decisive as Chelsea held on to Maresca’s intense relief. (smg/pi)
What you should know
Nicolas Jackson’s goal not only ended his personal drought but also reignited Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions under embattled manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite continued fan skepticism over Maresca’s tactics, Chelsea’s consecutive wins have brought them within striking distance of a top-four finish. Jackson’s resurgence and Chelsea’s gritty defense could prove vital as the season heads toward its final stretch.
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