Mauricio Pochettino hailed Chelsea’s 6-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge as “the perfect game” as the Blues returned to winning ways following their disappointing draw with Sheffield United.
Cole Palmer was once again the standout performer for the Blues as he scored a first half hat-trick with Nicolas Jackson adding the fourth to put Chelsea in control at half time.
Palmer won and converted a second half penalty for his fourth of the evening before Alfie Gilchrist came off the bench to score his first goal for the club.
Pochettino was understandably thrilled with the display given his team scored six goals and kept their first clean sheet since the end of January.
“An amazing performance,” the Argentine told Chelsea’s official website after the win.
“I’m so happy and full credit to the players. The perfect game, I think. We scored six and kept a clean sheet, a dream come true!
‘It [the clean sheet] is so important against a team that produces a lot and is very dangerous in offensive situations and set-pieces.
“Today the team was fantastic. We showed good spirit from the beginning which makes us very pleased.”
It was a must win game for the Blues in the race for Europe given the dropped points against Burnley and Sheffield United but Pochettino’s men are firmly in the race.
Last night’s win against Everton means Chelsea stay ninth, but are now just three points behind Newcastle and Manchester United with a game in hand as the race for the Europa League heats up.
Chelsea have a difficult run of fixtures coming up and next week will be pivotal as they travel to title chasing Arsenal and Champions League chasing Aston Villa.
It really is imperative the Blues qualify for some form of European football next season in order for the squad to develop, and have the opportunity to give players much needed minutes to develop as well as for the financial benefits.
