Cole Palmer scored his first goal since September as Chelsea ended a four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over in-form Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old forward, still managing a groin injury that kept him out for more than two months, opened the scoring after 21 minutes in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Right-back Malo Gusto, who set up Palmer’s goal, added a second just before half-time.

Everton dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Iliman Ndiaye having two shots on goal and James Garner also going close.

But the aptly nicknamed ‘Cold’ Palmer calmed Chelsea’s nerves after a poor start to December, which included defeats at Leeds and Atalanta and a draw at Bournemouth.

Played in behind Everton’s defence by Gusto, Palmer took a touch before sending goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way with a finish into the near post.

Momentum then swung Chelsea’s way. Alejandro Garnacho missed several chances, including shooting wide for an open goal after capitalising on substitute Carlos Alcaraz’s poor back pass, moments after injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came off with an injury against his former club.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Everton’s Jack Grealish also had opportunities before the home side doubled their lead just before the break, with Gusto reacting quickest to turn in Pedro Neto’s cross.

In the second half, Garnacho scooped a close-range shot over before being replaced by Jamie Gittens. Grealish had a header saved and volleyed wide – the latter a chance that should have seen him pull one back - while Ndiaye hit a late shot against the post and Trevoh Chalobah blocked another from Alcaraz inside the box.

Superior finishing proved decisive for Chelsea, who consolidated fourth place in the Premier League, while Everton remain eighth having played a game more than most of their rivals.

Chelsea analysis: Palmer needed that moment

This was not just another match or just another goal for Palmer.

It was 87 days since his last goal and three days more since his last Premier League strike in September.

Palmer was also playing in only his seventh match of the season, having lost three and drawn three of the previous six.

It follows two understandably rusty performances on his return at Leeds and Bournemouth after more than two months out.

Despite that period on the sidelines, Palmer’s painful and recurring groin injury remains a problem that needs careful management.

Before the match, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Palmer is now among a group of players at the club who cannot start two games in the same week.

That is why it was so important Palmer made a statement, with England manager Tuchel making a special effort to watch him and several other contenders for World Cup selection.

During the last international break in November, Palmer’s chances of selection looked bleak as in-form Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers strengthened their claims with good performances, while Tuchel said only two number 10s will make his 26-man squad.

Making matters worse, versatile duo Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze also impressed in other positions.

Palmer needs to make the most of every minute – to help Chelsea meet their lofty ambitions and boost his chances of selection – while battling his own body and fierce competition for the World Cup.

Everton put in a creditable effort, but there are signs their squad depth may not be enough to sustain a push for European qualification.

Strikers Thierno Barry and substitute Beto offered little threat in west London, while Grealish was wasteful and no clear chances fell to Ndiaye.

The biggest concern, however, was the loss of Dewsbury-Hall, who has been a revelation since his £27m move from Chelsea in the summer.

The 27-year-old midfielder is Everton’s joint-top scorer with four goals and is among three players leading the way with six goal involvements, having registered two assists.

His withdrawal with a suspected hamstring injury came just five minutes and 17 seconds before Chelsea opened the scoring through Palmer, and his replacement Alcaraz looked shaky.

This was also Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye’s last match before the Africa Cup of Nations so the Toffees could be without three key players for the rest of a busy December period.

It is a major issue for Everton, who boast an outstanding starting XI but, almost 12 months on from last year’s American takeover, remain in the middle of a rebuild.

Manager David Moyes has not shied away from targeting European qualification for the first time in eight years, but it would be a staggering achievement given the lack of depth and the risk that any major injuries could derail their challenge.

What’s next for these teams?

Chelsea have a trip to Cardiff in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 16 December (20:00 GMT), while Everton next host Arsenal on Saturday, 20 December (20:00 GMT). (BBC)

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