Premier League 2025-26: Goals from Palmer and Gusto help Chelsea return to victory against Everton

Cole Palmer returned with a much-needed goal as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to end a run of four games without a win in all competitions.

The victory at Stamford Bridge put Chelsea back in the top four.

Injury-ravaged attacking midfielder Palmer missed Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Atalanta on Tuesday as part of his recovery after a two-month spell on the sidelines.

Palmer initially suffered from a groin problem and then broke his toe after hitting it against a door at home.

The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.

The England international broke the deadlock against Everton in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.

Malo Gusto played in Palmer with a fine pass and he beat compatriot Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper’s near post.

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Everton dominated possession, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving well from Jack Grealish.

All Everton’s pressure failed to produce an equalizer and, against the run of play, Chelsea doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when a counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cutback from Pedro Neto.

Everton had the chance to make it 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz curled a cross towards the back post for the unmarked Grealish to guide the ball well wide.

Chelsea almost scored a third when Reece James’ quick free-kick was just tipped over the crossbar by Pickford.

Everton almost gave themselves a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye burst into the penalty area only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post.

Published on December 13, 2025