Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea outfit outclassed visitors Everton on Monday evening and gained a major foothold in the battle to secure a top-four finish this season in the Premier League.
An own goal from Everton defender Ben Godfrey was followed up by a second-half spot-kick by Jorginho, ensuring the win for the Blues on their own patch.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
Fresh off their last outing which was a memorable win at Anfield, Tuchel’s Londoners recorded a solid start against the Toffees and it was Timo Werner once again who looked threatening when in the final third of the pitch.
The German international enjoyed an ambitious effort on goal, only for it to go high over the bar as the hosts pushed for an early lead.
And it was Chelsea who were rewarded for their hold on the match’s tempo, with Everton full-back Godfrey catching a huge deflection from a Kai Havertz strike to put the ball into his own net.
The Blues could have taken a two-goal lead before the close of the first half as Christensen’s ball from the back set Marcos Alonso through on goal but Everton No.1 Pickford was apt in his defiance of the Spaniard.
Following the start of the closing 45 minutes, it was a familiar storyline with Chelsea maintaining total control over the game barring a couple of chances falling Everton’s way to no avail.
Richarlison went close for the visitors and Reece James sought to provide a response for the Blues but the scoreline remained unchanged until Jorginho stepped up to take the spot-kick after Havertz was brought down in the box by Pickford.
The Italian’s penalty made it 2-0 for the hosts and although Everton looked to bounce back in the most urgent of manners, Tuchel’s men held on for another pivotal victory in top-flight action.
