Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hailed his team’s growing resilience after they battled to a crucial 1-0 victory over Everton on Friday night, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes firmly alive.
Nicolas Jackson’s first goal since mid-December proved to be the match-winner at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues reclaim fourth place in the Premier League standings, at least temporarily. The 22-year-old striker finished confidently midway through the first half following a slick attacking move — a much-needed confidence boost after a frustrating run without goals.
Chelsea dominated much of the opening period, with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer causing problems for the Everton defense. However, the visitors stayed competitive, largely thanks to Jordan Pickford’s outstanding goalkeeping. Pickford denied Chelsea a second with a string of superb saves, notably stopping Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
Despite controlling possession, Chelsea’s inability to kill off the game left them vulnerable in the closing stages. Everton mounted a late surge, pressing high and creating chances, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez — who has faced intense scrutiny for past errors — produced two brilliant saves to deny Beto and Dwight McNeil, ensuring Chelsea held on for a hard-fought three points.
Speaking after the game, Maresca expressed satisfaction with his side’s grit and mental toughness.
“The first half, we controlled the game, dominated, created chances and didn’t concede anything,” he said. “Then in the second half, we dropped a bit — it’s part of the game. The good thing is that we were strong, nasty enough when we needed to be. We deserved to win and we’re happy.”
The Italian coach, serving a one-match touchline ban after receiving a yellow card for an exuberant celebration against Fulham, had to watch the match from the press box — an experience he did not enjoy.
“It was a disaster, to be honest,” Maresca admitted. “I prefer to be on the bench. You want to say something but nobody can hear.”
The coach also reserved special praise for Sanchez, whose late heroics proved vital. Sanchez’s commanding performance could mark a turning point after a difficult season, where he was temporarily dropped for understudy Filip Jorgensen.
“You can see how the teammates celebrated with him at the end,” Maresca said. “They know it hasn’t been easy for him. Robert has had many good moments this season. As human beings, we tend to focus on the mistakes, but he’s made important saves too. Hopefully, he can continue like this until the end.”
The victory over Everton — a side themselves battling relegation — highlights Chelsea’s progress under Maresca, who has gradually instilled more discipline, intensity, and tactical organization into his young squad.
With just a handful of games left, Chelsea will be hoping to maintain their momentum as the Champions League race tightens, with rivals Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa also in hot pursuit.
Chelsea’s next fixture sees them face an in-form Newcastle United side, another test of their growing maturity and resolve as they chase a top-four finish.
