Chelsea now find themselves back in the top five for the time being, having beaten Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, making it six points from their last two games in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s men put in a very strong team performance, winning 58% of their duels, winning 41/74 ground duels, winning 12/18 aerial duels, and completing 22 tackles in the game.
This same fight will be needed in the Blues’ last four Premier League games, if they have any chance of securing Champions League football. But the form of their attackers will also be key, as many have been struggling for goals as of late.
Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock after 27 minutes with an instinctive strike into the bottom corner from outside the box, with his goal being the decider for Maresca’s side and the difference between one point and three points for the Blues.
Nicolas Jackson's performance against Everton
Jackson has made 30 appearances for Chelsea this season, netting ten times and providing five assists in 2,205 minutes played. However, this was the 23-year-old’s first goal in 2025, with his last coming against Brentford back in December.
The Senegal international scored with his only shot of the game, completing 100% of his passes (24/24) and completing one of his three dribble attempts.
The ability to drop deep and relieve pressure, linking play with the midfielders before making runs in behind was effective against the Everton back line.
But Jackson wasn’t the only effective attacker on the pitch for Chelsea today, as Maresca unleashed another forward in an unfamiliar position, which yielded positive results.
Maresca hit gold with star in a new position
Noni Madueke has mainly played off the right this season for Maresca’s side, making 35 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 2,002 minutes played.
However, the 23-year-old winger was deployed on the opposite side against Everton, and to quite good effect too.
The Chelsea boss hit gold by unleashing the former PSV star in a new role on the left side of the pitch, as it yielded an impressive showing from the attacker.
Minutes
78
Touches
46
Accurate Passes
20/25
Shots
4
Long Balls
2/3
Successful Dribble Attempts
2/4
Ground Duels Won
4/7
Aerial Duels Won
1/1
Tackles
1
The England international managed 46 touches in the game, taking four shots, all of which were on target, and completing 50% of his dribble attempts with two successful dribbles of his four.
Madueke also won 100% aerial duels, made one tackle, and won four ground duels, doing his bit off the ball to help the side.
This shows that he was even better than Jackson because he impacted play at both ends of the pitch, with his hard work on and off the ball.
Madueke earned himself a 7/10 match rating from GOAL for his performance, praised for forcing Jordan Pickford into ‘multiple top-quality saves’, cutting inside on his weaker right foot. The winger had the same eagerness to be direct on the ball, beating players and looking to drive towards goal at every opportunity.
With Pedro Neto showing his best from the right this season, Madueke on the left could be something we see from Maresca more at the back end of this season. It’s safe to say he’s now as undroppable as Jackson.
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