Iwobi Suffers Defeat With Everton At Stamford Bridge, As Chelsea Strengthen Top-Four Hopes

Chelsea gave their top-four ambitions a boost as they secured a 2-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Alex Iwobi was in Everton’s starting eleven but had little impact before going off on 56 minutes for Tom Davies. A Ben Godfrey's own goal in the first half and a Jorginho penalty half-way through the second half was enough to earn Tuchel another win, preserving his unbeaten run. The German made five changes to his starting team, with the ever-present Mason Mount among those relegated to the bench. Kai Havertz got a rare start, partnering Callum-Hudson Odoi just behind Timo Werner in the attack. The Blues got made a confident start on the ball, with all of the front players getting early touches of the ball. They however had to wait until the 16th minute for a clear chance at goal, and it came courtesy of a Jorginho volley after a badly-cleared corner kick. Everton created half a chance in the 25th minute, but Calvert-Lewin's header bounced off the turf and was easily gathered by Mendy. The opener arrived in the 31st minute when Havertz applied the finishing touch to Marcos Alonso's fizzed cross from the left, but the goal was given as an own goal. A minute later, Havertz almost doubled the Blues' lead after playing some neat one-two with Werner, but  Keane made a perfect block to deny the German. Everton created two quick chances, btu were not good enough to test Mendy in goal. Just before the break, Pickford saved Everton from going two goals down with a world-class stop, which denied Alonso a perfect goal. The second half was a balanced affair, with both sides creating a number of clear chances. Chelsea thought they had gotten a second when Havertz put the ball in the back of the net from a glorious Hudson-Odoi ball, but the German was adjudged to have handled the ball before scoring. It did not take long before the second arrived, and it came from the spot after Pickford brought down the lively Havertz in the box. Jorginho stepped up to easily beat the goalie with his trademark run and jump before easily rolling the ball into the net. Chelsea had two clear chances late on to add to their score, but Pickford once again came to their rescue with three wonderful saves. The win boosts the Blues march to a Champions League spot, as they are now four points clear of the Tofffees, who are in fifth.