AFCON 2025
Nicolas Jackson’s first goal of 2025 gave the Blues a 1-0 win over David Moyes’s Everton, taking them back into the top four, at least temporarily.
That opening goal came midway through the first half, and Chelsea might have put the game to bed had it not been for a string of good stops from Jordan Pickford.
Their failure to do so, however, set up a nervy finale, with Robert Sanchez making two late saves of his own to preserve the three points.
“The first half, we controlled the game, dominated, created chances, and didn’t concede anything,” Maresca said. “Then second half, we dropped a bit. It’s part of the game.
“The good thing was we were strong, nasty enough when we needed to be. We deserved to win the game, and we’re happy.”
Maresca was forced to watch the game from the press box while serving a one-match touchline ban, having picked up a yellow card for his celebration of last week’s late win at Fulham.
