Palmer is back and Chelsea suddenly look like a top-four team again

Palmer Returns, Chelsea Respond

Chelsea moved back into the Premier League top four with a controlled 2–0 win over Everton, powered by a long-awaited return to the scoresheet from Cole Palmer. Making his first Stamford Bridge start in almost four months, the England international marked his comeback in style after a season disrupted by injury.

After four league matches without a win, Enzo Maresca badly needed a spark — and his most influential player delivered it inside 21 minutes.

Quality Makes the Difference

The breakthrough came from a moment of precision. Malo Gusto received a short pass in midfield and split Everton’s defence with a perfectly weighted ball. Palmer timed his run brilliantly, cut through the centre and fired past Jordan Pickford at the near post.

It was Palmer’s first open-play goal at Stamford Bridge since January, but he finished with the calm of a player who never left.

Gusto Doubles the Lead

Chelsea’s second arrived just before the break, and again Gusto was central. Pedro Neto burst down the right and whipped in a low cross that the full-back met at speed, finishing confidently to cap an outstanding first half.

Everton had arrived in west London with optimism after four wins in five league matches, but Chelsea’s sharpness quickly removed any belief of ending their long wait for a win at Stamford Bridge.

Why Palmer Changes Everything

This season has been the toughest of Palmer’s young career, with two significant injuries limiting his rhythm and influence. Yet history already shows a clear pattern: when Palmer struggles, Chelsea struggle.

His dip in form last season coincided with Chelsea sliding from title contention into a top-four battle. With him fit and firing, everything looks smoother — movement, tempo and confidence across the team.

Everton Threat, Chelsea Control

Everton did threaten in spells. Thierno Barry went close from Idrissa Gueye’s cross, Jack Grealish wasted a clear chance after the break and Iliman Ndiaye struck the post late on.

But Chelsea always looked comfortable. Palmer was withdrawn just before the hour as Maresca carefully managed his minutes, while Reece James and Neto continued to stretch Everton’s back line.

Statement Win

Chelsea did not need to be spectacular. They needed control, efficiency and their talisman back — and they got all three.

If Palmer stays fit, Chelsea’s top-four push suddenly feels very real.