Chelsea secured a narrow but hard-earned 1–0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson’s first-half strike proving decisive in a match defined by missed chances, intense midfield battles, and a moment of goalkeeping brilliance from Robert Sánchez in stoppage time.
Softfootball gathered, the hosts began with purpose, testing Jordan Pickford early when Noni Madueke cut inside and forced a sharp save at the near post. With Enzo Maresca’s side controlling possession and dictating the tempo, an opener felt inevitable—and it arrived in the 27th minute.
Enzo Fernández intercepted a loose pass in midfield and carried the ball forward before sliding it into Jackson, who unleashed a powerful low drive from distance. The forward’s strike skidded past Pickford and into the bottom corner, sending Stamford Bridge into celebration and giving Chelsea a deserved 1–0 lead.
Everton struggled for momentum in the first half, rarely troubling Chelsea’s back line. Iliman Ndiaye and Beto found themselves isolated as Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Trevoh Chalobah handled the Blues’ defensive duties with composure.
David Moyes responded at half-time by introducing Carlos Alcaraz, injecting urgency into the Toffees’ midfield. The visitors improved after the break, pressing higher and playing with greater directness. Dwight McNeil, brought on in the 63rd minute, added much-needed width and nearly produced the equaliser.
Chelsea, meanwhile, adjusted through a series of substitutions—Reece James made a welcome return in the 67th minute, while Jadon Sancho provided fresh attacking energy from the bench. Despite their control of possession, the Blues lacked a second goal to secure comfort.
The match’s most dramatic moment arrived in stoppage time. Everton created their clearest chance of the afternoon when McNeil cut inside and fired a curling effort toward the far corner. The ball seemed destined to level the score, but Robert Sánchez launched himself at full stretch to produce a sensational fingertip save, drawing gasps from both sets of supporters.
Chelsea held firm through six tense minutes of added time, with Tyrique George and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall entering late to help close out the game.
With the final whistle, Maresca’s team celebrated a gritty win that showcased both resilience and discipline. The victory strengthens Chelsea’s position in the table and continues their late-season push for European qualification, while Everton leave west London frustrated but encouraged by their improved second-half display.
