Joe Cole has called Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Everton ‘psychologically massive’ in the club’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Chelsea climbed into fourth place in the Premier League with a narrow win over a stubborn Everton side at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson’s first league goal in more than four months was the difference as the Senegalese striker swivelled and fired a low finish past Jordan Pickford on 27 minutes.
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
Trevoh Chalobah won possession in a good area for Chelsea, before Fernandez fired a pass into Jackson. He took one touch to turn and set himself before lashing in his 10th league goal of the campaign.
The much-maligned Robert Sanchez was twice the hero for Chelsea, making superb stops from Beto and Dwight McNeil as Everton upped the pressure after half-time.
Chelsea will end the weekend in the Champions League places, with top-five rivals Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in FA Cup action.
Former Chelsea midfielder Cole said that position is ‘psychologically massive’ for the Blues ahead of a tough run-in.
“Sitting fourth now with that win is psychologically massive for Chelsea and puts them in a good position for the run in,” Cole said to TNT Sports.
“When you see a group of players celebrating like that you know it’s been a tough afternoon.
“Everton to their credit came here and made it very, very difficult and had their chances at the end, but it’s a good win for Chelsea.”
Chelsea return to action against Djugarden in Sweden on Thursday night, in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.
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