Everton’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge extended Chelsea’s remarkable home dominance in the fixture, with the Blues now unbeaten in their last 31 Premier League home meetings against the Toffees — the longest such run against a single opponent in the club’s league history.

The opening exchanges offered little in the way of excitement, and an early injury to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on his return to face his former club disrupted the rhythm further, forcing him off and stalling any early momentum. Once the match settled, however, Chelsea began to impose themselves.

Cole Palmer, sorely missed during his recent absence through injury, marked his return in style. The forward timed his run perfectly to collect a precise pass from Malo Gusto before calmly sliding the ball home for his first goal since September, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

Chelsea continued to control proceedings and came close to doubling their advantage when Alejandro Garnacho curled an effort just wide of the post, as Enzo Maresca’s side looked increasingly comfortable.

Everton had a chance to respond when James Tarkowski met a corner at the far post, but his header drifted wide — a miss that proved costly. Moments later, Chelsea struck again. After setting up the opener, Gusto turned scorer in stoppage time, finishing emphatically at the near post to cap a swift counter-attack and send the Blues into the break with a commanding lead.

Garnacho remained a persistent threat after the restart, creating two early chances in the second half, one narrowly wide and another sent over the bar. Palmer’s afternoon ended soon after as he was substituted for Andrey Santos, but Everton were unable to capitalise.

Despite attempts from David Moyes to change the game with attacking substitutions, Everton failed to gain a foothold. Chelsea’s organisation and intensity across the pitch ensured the visitors were kept at arm’s length, with the home side rarely looking troubled.

The victory saw Chelsea comfortably collect three points and strengthen their push for a top-four finish. While Everton’s recent momentum — four wins from their previous five matches — was halted, they remain firmly in contention in the race for European qualification.