Cole Palmer scored his first goal since September as Chelsea ended a four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over in-form Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old forward, still managing a groin injury that kept him out for more than two months, opened the scoring after 21 minutes in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Right-back Malo Gusto, who set up Palmer’s goal, added a second just before half-time.
Everton dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Iliman Ndiaye having two shots on goal and James Garner also going close.
But the aptly nicknamed ‘Cold’ Palmer calmed Chelsea’s nerves after a poor start to December, which included defeats at Leeds and Atalanta and a draw at Bournemouth.
Played in behind Everton’s defence by Gusto, Palmer took a touch before sending goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way with a finish into the near post.
Momentum then swung Chelsea’s way. Alejandro Garnacho missed several chances, including shooting wide for an open goal after capitalising on substitute Carlos Alcaraz’s poor back pass, moments after injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came off with an injury against his former club.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Everton’s Jack Grealish also had opportunities before the home side doubled their lead just before the break, with Gusto reacting quickest to turn in Pedro Neto’s cross.
In the second half, Garnacho scooped a close-range shot over before being replaced by Jamie Gittens. Grealish had a header saved and volleyed wide – the latter a chance that should have seen him pull one back – while Ndiaye hit a late shot against the post and Trevoh Chalobah blocked another from Alcaraz inside the box.
Superior finishing proved decisive for Chelsea, who consolidated fourth place in the Premier League, while Everton remain eighth having played a game more than most of their rivals.
