With their one foot already buried in the relegation mud, Everton couldn’t afford themselves a pointless draw against mighty Chelsea. So they had to went for all in. And it paid off for the Toffees!Frank Lampard’s outfit surprisingly defeated the Blues 1-0 at the Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon and made a massive, maybe even vital, step towards safety. As things stand right now, they are two points below Leeds and Burnley with a game in hand, which promises a fierce three-horse race to avoid that one ticket for the EFL Championship.Everton have won 2 of their last 7 games:vs Man United ✅ vs Chelsea ✅ pic.twitter.com/9s1bcXmKOj— BRGoals (@BRGoals) May 1, 2022 To feel that sweet taste of victory, the Toffees had not only to defend firmly but also to be patient and struck in those rare moments of Chelsea’s confusion.Despite some high tempo on both ends, the first half was entirely forgettable in terms of chances. Mount fired from mid-range decently, but it went over Pickford’s bar, and that solo effort was the only opportunity worth mentioning in the entire period.In the meantime, the nervousness took its toll as players collided several times due to some harsh tackles.Head to head, literally… Azpi and Coleman (©Getty images)Amid those skirmishes, Loftus-Cheek took the stage to display a wonderful cameo in the middle, as he did a pirouette with the ball before dashing into the rivals’ half.It didn’t hurt Pickford, though, as the teams went to locker rooms in a stalemate. But the second they returned to the turf, the game took off instantly, as Richarlison netted following Azpilicueta’s mistake in Chelsea’s area.Albeit the Brazilian’s goal proved to be decisive, plenty of action was yet to happen in front of packed Goodison Park. Mount’s strike hit not one but two posts, Pickford denied Rudiger’s volley on the far post, and Everton’s Mykolenko failed to kill the game with all the time in the world in front of Mendy soon after.⛔ Save of the season. @JPickford1📷 Image of the season. @richarlison97 #Everton #Chelsea #EVECHE pic.twitter.com/66MYCvCINl— GrandOldTeam (@grandoldteam) May 1, 2022 This emotional battle ended in a 1-0 home win, which will bring some glimpses of fresh air to Lampard and his staff. On the other hand, his former side will try to make the most of the last couple of games, settling for the third place on the table and the Champions League football next season.PREMIER LEAGUESaturdayNewcastle United – Liverpool 0-1 (0-1)/Keita 19/Southampton – Crystal Palace 1-2 (1-0)/Romeu 9 – Eze 60, Zaha 90+2/Watford – Burnley 1-2 (1-0)/Tarkowski 8 og – Cork 83, Brownhill 86/Aston Villa – Norwich 2-0 (1-0)/Watkins 41, Ings 90+3/Wolverhampton – Brighton 0-3 (0-1)/Mac Allister 42 pen, Trossard 70, Bissouma 86/Leeds – Man City 0-4 (0-2)/Rodri 13, Ake 55, Jesus 78, Fernandinho 90+3/SundayTottenham – Leicester 3-1 (1-0)/Kane 22, Son – 60, 79 – Iheanacho 90+3/Everton – Chelsea 1-0 (0-0)/Richarlison 47/18.30: (4.60) West Ham (3.70) Arsenal (1.85)Monday22.00: (1.80) Man.Utd. (3.70) Brentford (5.00)***odds are subject to change
