A Whiter Shade Of Blue

Chelsea edged out Everton 1-0 to move into the top 4; as their hunt for Champions League qualification takes on new intensity into the final weeks. Everton were not at the races for the 1st half; without a single shot at all. Beto had been having trouble holding up the ball all day long; and in one of those sequences; it led to Trevor Chalobah pinching it off him; and Enzo Fernandez setting up Nicolas Jackson for a sharp finish right into the corner.

Everton were much better in the second half; and that fragile 1-0 lead was nearly eradicated when they produced two chances almost out of nothing; with Beto first getting the better of Levi Colwill before testing Robert Sanchez with a sharp shot; before substitute Dwight McNeil could have connected better from another substitute Carlos Alcaraz's cross.

Chelsea were not at their best too; but did just enough to secure the win. Trevor Chalobah looks impressive in central defence though; and Noni Madueke caught the eye with a hardworking display down the Chelsea left. Cole Palmer though; still looks short of inspiration & perspiration; with his barren run without a goal now extending to 17 matches; while Jackson at least would have been happy to find the scoresheet after 14 games. They would be happy though to enter the top 4; with a testing run of games fast approaching.