Chelsea Inch Closer To UEFA Champions League Qualification With 1-0 Win vs Everton

Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Nicolas Jackson ended his 13-game goal drought to seal a crucial 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday. Jackson struck in the first half at Stamford Bridge to get back on the scoresheet for the first time since December. The much-maligned Senegal forward's 10th goal of the season was enough to lift Enzo Maresca's side into fourth place in the Premier League. The Blues' second successive Premier League win was vital to their attempt to finish in the top five.

Chelsea will drop to fifth place if Newcastle beat third-bottom Ipswich later on Saturday, but Jackson's winner ensured they remain in the hunt to return to the Champions League with four games left.

Despite the much-needed result, it was another nervous afternoon for Maresca, who insisted this week that his first season at Chelsea has not been a failure after criticism of the Italian's conservative tactics.

Maresca barely celebrated last weekend's 2-1 win at Fulham, leaving the pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting abuse from frustrated supporters.

The former Leicester manager's cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season.

Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term.

Chelsea are still not firing on all cylinders, but an uplifting climax is within reach as they aim to seal a place in the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League.

- Redemption for Jackson -

The Blues threatened an early goal when Noni Madueke surged away clear on the left flank and cut inside for a low curler that forced a