Chelsea needed a positive result against Everton on Saturday after going winless in their last four matches. Is their December slide finally over?
Chelsea has had a rough start to December for the second year in-a-row under Enzo Maresca's tutelage. A surprising 3-1 loss to Leeds, a draw at Bournemouth and a 2-1 loss in a the Champions League matchup to Italian-side Atalanta has highlighted a near half-month slide.
A slide that has seen them slip out of the top-8 (and automatic qualifier for the Group of 16) in the UCL and into fifth of the Premier League heading into Saturday's match against Everton. A resounding victory was needed to get Maresca's squad back on track.
The first 20 minutes of the match were largely quiet, almost boring, until a breakaway goal from Cole Palmer in the 21', his first goal since September following his return from injury. It was exactly what the Blues needed to get moving as they maintained the majority of possession throughout the rest of the first half, nearly 65-percent.
Just as regulation time ended, Pedro Neto put in a perfect ball to the centre of the box for a Malo Gusto tip-in following a fast break just as extra time began to bring the score to 2-0. It gave Chelsea a very comfortable lead heading into the half, one they would not relinquish.
While Palmer was a question to start the match, his presence in the starting lineup and on the pitch proved to be the difference. Maresca clearly wants to protect him from further injury as evidenced by his absence from the squad against Atalanta. Expectedly, Palmer was pulled in the 58' for Andrey Santos.
The second half for Chelsea was much less eventful. While Chelsea had some chances, Maresca was much more concerned with holding the lead and protecting his starters. Wunderkind Estêvão did get some playing time as a late 81' minute substitution for João Pedro. Estêvão has seen significant playing time as of late, especially with multiple injuries within the squad.
The youngster has proven himself well, both in the EPL and in Europe, five total goals in all competition, but is another example of Maresca protecting his squad.
Of note, captain Reece James did play the full 90', likely in an attempt by Maresca to maintain his lead against a very dangerous Everton side who have four of their last five matches and climbed their way to seventh in the EPL.
After their first win in five matches, Chelsea will now face Cardiff on December 16 at 2:00 p.m. GMT in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup. The Blues look to be in form and will aim to build off their solid 2-0 performance against Everton.
With a tough stretch against Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth to wrap up the month, Maresca and his side will look to put an end to the talk that this club has a tough time winning in December.
Their Premier League title chances just might depend on it.