Maresca hails Palmer as Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca stated that his team performs stronger with Cole Palmer available, following the attacker's goal on his initial full appearance at Stamford Bridge in nearly four months. This effort helped the Blues secure a 2-0 victory over Everton, propelling them back into the Premier League's top four spots.

"We have mentioned on numerous occasions that with Cole Palmer we form a superior side," Maresca remarked to the BBC.

"Sadly, he missed several matches for us, yet now he has returned and undoubtedly he will contribute significantly."

The versatile forward, hampered by injuries, sat out Chelsea's midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as he continued his rehabilitation from an extended absence of two months.

Palmer first dealt with a groin issue, followed by a broken toe sustained from colliding with a door in his residence.

The 23-year-old earned his earliest starting role for the club since September during the previous weekend's stalemate away to Bournemouth.

The young England star opened the scoring versus Everton in the 21st minute right at Stamford Bridge.

Malo Gusto delivered an excellent ball to Palmer, who slotted past compatriot Jordan Pickford into the keeper's close-range corner.

Everton controlled the ball for much of the contest, with Chelsea's Robert Sanchez making a strong stop against Jack Grealish.

Despite Everton's sustained pressure, they could not level the scores, and Chelsea struck again midway through first-half added time via a swift break, as Gusto finished off Pedro Neto's low cross from the right.  

Sitting eighth in the standings even after this setback, Everton had an opportunity to narrow the gap to 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz whipped in a delivery to the far post, but the isolated Grealish steered it harmlessly astray.

Chelsea came close to extending their advantage when Reece James unleashed a rapid free-kick that Pickford barely deflected onto the crossbar.

Everton almost clawed one back late on as Iliman Ndiaye surged into the penalty area, only for his effort to rebound off the post's inner side.

"No match is ever truly over," Maresca commented. "We created plenty of openings but failed to convert them. Still, I am pleased with the shutout and the overall display."