Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was delighted to see side show their mean streak to earn a 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson’s first goal in fourth months was enough to give the Blues three points and keep them two behind Newcastle United, who beat Ipswich Town 3-0.
The two sides will meet at St James’ Park in a fortnight in what could be a decisive game in the battle for a top five spot and the right to play in the Champions League next season. Before then, Chelsea must face Liverpool at home next weekend, while Eddie Howe’s side go to Brighton.
It was an important, if hard-fought win for Chelsea, who also have a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final with Swedish side Djurgardens to negotiate. They had to overcome a nervy last 20 minutes, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez twice called upon to make impressive saves from Beto and Dwight McNeill, but Maresca was happy to see his side fight for the win.
He had to watch the game from the stands after picking up a one-match touchline ban for three yellow cards, but said: “First half we controlled the game, we dominated, created chances and didn’t concede anything. Then second half we dropped a little bit. We were strong, nasty enough when we needed to be like that. Overall I think we deserved to win and we are happy.”
However, Maresca acknowledged their debt to goalkeeper Sanchez after his two lates saves, adding: “You can see how his team-mates celebrated with him at the end of the game. The team know that for Robert it’s not been a good moment so they try to support and help him.
“He had many good moments this season. The one against Tottenham at home, we were winning 1-0 and 90 minutes he did a great save. It’s normal that as human beings you remember the bad things and not the good things. About Robert, we remember the mistakes but he’s had some very good moments with us.”
