CHELSEA boosted their Champions League credentials with victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts started the better and were rewarded for before the half-hour mark as Nicolas Jackson's drive beat Jordan Pickford.
Chelsea saw out the first half but were almost pegged back as Robert Sanchez well saved Beto's drive in the 63rd minute.
Noni Madueke almost doubled the lead but was denied by Pickford following a spectacular solo run.
Like London buses, Jackson thought he had two but was ruled out for offside after tapping home in the 84th minute.
Sanchez pulled off a stunning save in the final minutes to preserve the lead and help the Blues snatch all three points.
The win shifted the Blues up to 4th in the Premier League table with just four games to go.
However, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle can leapfrog them if they win their games in hand.
Chelsea now face a horror run-in in order to confirm their spot in the Champions League next season.
Maresca's side face Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), Manchester United (H) and Forest (A) to finish the season.
More to follow…
