Cole Palmer continued to shine in an impressive display, netting four times as Chelsea cruised to a resounding 6-0 victory over Everton on Monday night.
With this win, Chelsea narrowed the gap to just three points behind sixth-placed Newcastle and seventh-placed Manchester United in the Premier League standings, holding a game in hand over both teams.
Sean Dyche’s Everton now find themselves nervously looking over their shoulders after suffering a significant blow to their goal difference, leaving them just two points clear of the relegation zone.
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Here’s how the match unfolded:
Despite Chelsea dominating possession early on, Everton squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead after ten minutes when Beto missed a chance set up by Seamus Coleman’s run and Ashley Young’s cross.
Chelsea seized control in the 13th minute when Cole Palmer, orchestrating a brilliant move, nutmegged Jarrad Branthwaite before combining with Nicolas Jackson and slotting home from outside the box.
Palmer nearly doubled Chelsea’s lead moments later, but his effort bounced off his backside and away from the goal.
However, Palmer didn’t have to wait long for his second goal, capitalizing on a spilled shot to head home and complete his brace.
By the 29th minute, Palmer secured his hat-trick with a sublime lob from 35 yards after intercepting Jordan Pickford’s errant pass.
Everton appeared to pull one back just before halftime, but Beto’s header was ruled offside.
Chelsea extended their lead to four just before the break when Jackson volleyed in Marc Cucurella’s cross.
In the second half, Everton attempted to mount a comeback, but Branthwaite’s headed effort from a corner found only the side-netting.
Palmer, eager for his fourth goal, was denied by Pickford in a one-on-one situation, while Nathan Patterson’s attempt from a dropped cross went wide.
On the hour mark, Chelsea was awarded a penalty after Madueke was brought down in the box, and Palmer calmly converted from the spot.
In the dying minutes of the game, Pickford made a fine save to deny Ben Chilwell, but Alfie Gilchrist pounced on the rebound to score his first senior goal and seal a comprehensive victory for Chelsea.