Everton shock Chelsea to boost survival hopes

Everton’s English manager Frank Lampard gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on May 1, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Everton kept Premier League survival in their own hands as Richarlison scored the only goal of a vital 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Frank Lampard’s men remain in the bottom three, but narrow the gap on both Burnley and Leeds to two points with a game in hand to come.

Richarlison pounced on an error from Cesar Azpilicueta one minute into the second half to give the home side and an anxious crowd at Goodison Park something to cling onto.

But they needed Jordan Pickford to show why he is England’s number one with a series of stunning saves to get over the line.

Everton’s Brazilian striker Richarlison (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on May 1, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

The Blues’ advantage over the fifth could be cut to five points by the end of the day if Arsenal avoids defeat at West Ham.

But Everton’s far greater need for the points shone through.

The Toffees have not fallen out of the top flight since 1954 and could face financial ruin if they do not dig themselves out of trouble in their final five games of the campaign.

Burnley’s dramatic late win at Watford on Saturday had left Lampard’s men five points adrift.

But it is Leeds who may now be looking nervously over their shoulders as they have to face Arsenal and Chelsea in their final four matches.

After a tense first 45 minutes, Richarlison gave Everton the hope they needed with a cool finish