Jackson Ends 13-Game Drought to Fire Chelsea into Champions League Spot

Nicolas Jackson fired a crucial winner for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 26, ending his lengthy goal drought and securing a vital 1-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League.

The decisive strike propels the Blues into the thick of the race for UEFA Champions League qualification, lifting them above rivals Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

The Senegal international pounced in the first half, expertly slotting the ball past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner.

The chance arose in the 27th minute  after Enzo Fernández dispossessed Toffees forward Beto deep in the Everton half, quickly releasing Jackson, who made no mistake. It was Jackson’s first league goal since mid-December, ending a run of 13 games without finding the net.

Chelsea’s hard-fought three points in west London are paramount in a tightly contested battle for a top-four finish.

Every point collected between now and the season’s conclusion will prove critical as Enzo Maresca’s side push for a return to European football’s elite competition.

The win draws Chelsea level on points with Nottingham Forest, moving them ahead on goal difference.

They also now sit a point clear of Newcastle United, although both Forest and Newcastle hold a game in hand. Forest are set to play their extra fixture against Brentford on Thursday, May 1, while Newcastle face Ipswich Town later today.