Jackson scored his first goal since December 15.
Image credit: 433
Nicolas Jackson found his scoring touch at the perfect time, netting the decisive goal as Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson, who hadn’t scored since December 15, ended his drought in style midway through the first half.
Picking up a pass from Enzo Fernandez, the striker turned sharply and confidently fired a 20-yard strike past Jordan Pickford, as suspended manager Enzo Maresca watched on from the stands.
Maresca, serving a touchline ban after his exuberant celebrations last week at Fulham, would have been thrilled with his team’s performance.
Chelsea dominated from start to finish, racking up their third win in five Premier League matches and ensuring they remain firmly in the race for a top-five finish and a Champions League spot.
Early on, Chelsea showed real intent. Marc Cucurella combined neatly with Noni Madueke, who forced the first of many superb saves from England goalkeeper Pickford.
With Romeo Lavia back in the starting lineup for the first time since January, Chelsea controlled the midfield with intensity and purpose.
Jackson’s breakthrough came after Trevoh Chalobah dispossessed Beto deep in Everton’s half.
Fernandez quickly fed Jackson, who took a touch, stepped forward, and curled a beautiful finish into the corner.
Everton offered little in response. Their only real chance of the first half fell to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who badly miscued a header from Vitalii Mykolenko’s cross.
Pickford was Everton’s standout performer, denying Madueke multiple times — including a brilliant save with his boot shortly after the restart and an even better fingertip stop to deny a low, curling effort.
At the other end, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez, under scrutiny from fans for his erratic displays, produced a vital save to block Beto’s powerful strike, showing why Maresca continues to back him.
