Gusto's Masterclass Secures Chelsea's Grip on Fourth

À Éviter Score Futmetrix: 38/100. This wasn't just three points—it was a six-pointer that separated fourth from seventh and reminded the Premier League that Chelsea remains a force in the title conversation.

Defensive Brilliance Turns to Attacking Threat

From the opening whistle at Stamford Bridge, Malo Gusto operated as Chelsea's creative fulcrum. The right-back's 8.6 rating wasn't built on defensive heroics alone—it was his ability to drift infield, unlock space, and strike with purpose. In the 21st minute, Gusto's assist found Cole Palmer in the box, and the midfielder's composed finish broke the deadlock. One became two when Gusto himself buried a second-half effort in the 45th minute, this time assisted by Pedro Neto. Chelsea's intensity was suffocating—28 shots attempted, 7 on target, a relentless barrage that left Everton gasping.

Everton's Defensive Frailty Exposed

Everton came to west London with defensive intent, but Chelsea's movement in the final third dismantled any semblance of structure. The Toffees managed just 11 shots and 2 on target—a damning indictment of their attacking impotence. Possession favored Chelsea (58%), and while Everton pressed with 7 corners, they lacked the clinical edge needed to punish Chelsea's occasional lapses. Trevoh Chalobah's commanding display at centre-back, paired with Chelsea's 88% pass accuracy (530 total passes), created an almost impenetrable platform. The balance of the match tilted decisively after Palmer's opener—Everton never recovered.

The Title Race Tightens

Chelsea's fourth-place finish, now with 28 points from 16 games, reflects a team hitting its stride. Everton's seventh-place perch (24 points) suddenly feels precarious. This wasn't a thriller—it was a statement of intent from Enzo Maresca's side, who showed why they belong in the conversation for silverware. The stakes were always clear: Chelsea advances their top-four ambitions; Everton's European hopes dim further.