Chelsea’s last home league game, a damaging 2-2 draw against Ipswich, was notable for the unrest among Chelsea’s supporters over their side’s ponderous play and manager Maresca’s future.
Maresca watched this game from the stands as he served a touchline ban and although Chelsea were far from free-flowing there was no such discontent from those around him this time.
Ultimately, the result was all that mattered for Chelsea.
They lacked creativity from open play – Cole Palmer’s goalless run stretching to 17 games – but to their credit were sharp in their pressing, particularly in the first half.
Their goal came from one such moment from centre-back Trevor Chalobah, who robbed Everton striker Beto in the centre circle, which allowed Enzo Fernandez to feed Jackson to score the winner.
Goalkeeper Sanchez has often been criticised during his time at Chelsea but his saves on Saturday could yet prove crucial.
Beto’s strike came from distance, with McNeil’s flicked towards the bottom left corner from close range with three minutes to play, but on both occasions the Spain international got down well to save.
He received embraces from his team-mates, while the full-time whistle was met by cheers tinged with relief in the stands.
