By Our Man at the Bridge
STAMFORD BRIDGE exploded with a roar of pure relief and joy on a chilly Saturday afternoon as CHELSEA finally put an end to their winless run, sending a game but ultimately toothless Everton side packing with a clinical 2-0 victory.
The hallowed turf of Stamford Bridge—the fortress where Everton haven’t won a league game since before the Spice Girls ruled the charts in 1994—once again proved to be the graveyard of Toffees’ hopes.
The atmosphere was thick with nervous energy after a disappointing few weeks for the Blues, but the famous old ground in SW6 became a cauldron of encouragement for Enzo Maresca’s men.
The home crowd, out in force, found their voice as their heroes turned on the style with two first-half strikes that settled the nerves and the result.
The breakthrough came courtesy of the returning Cole Palmer in the 21st minute.
The young England star, on his first home start in months, latched onto a brilliant through-ball from Malo Gusto, showing his trademark ice-cold composure to slot past national teammate Jordan Pickford. The explosion of noise that followed was a reminder of what this ground means to the fans, a massive wave of support washing over the pitch.
Then, just on the stroke of half-time, Gusto himself turned goalscorer!
The electric right-back crowned a magnificent individual performance by steering home a cut-back, sending the Bridge faithful into ecstasy and the Blues into the break with a commanding lead.
Everton, who had been in great form, huffed and puffed in the second half, with Iliman Ndiaye hitting the woodwork late on.
But the Chelsea defence, anchored by a monstrous performance from Wesley Fofana, held firm. Stamford Bridge was never seriously threatened, maintaining its near-30-year Premier League stranglehold over the Merseysiders.
The result lifts Chelsea up the table, but perhaps more importantly, it injects a much-needed shot of confidence back into the club, powered by the incredible, unwavering support witnessed at their historic home.
