Everton moved to within two points of the Premier League safety zone with a priceless win over Chelsea that was inspired by a thunderous atmosphere at Goodison Park.
Starting the day in the relegation places, five points behind Leeds and Burnley, the hosts were lifted by their fans in their attempt to extend a 58-year stay in the top flight.
Everton’s aggressive pressing was eventually rewarded a minute after the break when Richarlison’s dispossessed Cesar Azpilicueta on the edge of the area and scored his ninth goal of the season.
The Brazilian celebrated by picking up a smoke bomb that had landed on to the pitch and throwing it back towards the stand.
Vitalii Mykolenko could have doubled the lead soon afterwards but skewed wide, and Everton were indebted to two stunning saves from Jordan Pickford to keep themselves in front.
First, the Everton keeper denied Azpilicueta after Mason Mount’s shot hit both posts and spun out. From the resulting corner, Pickford then took Antonio Rudiger’s shot fully in his face, needing medical treatment.
It was an incredible effort from the England stopper, who also saved from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but typified Everton’s approach as they dug in to thwart Thomas Tuchel’s side, even if that raw approach drew complaints from the German.
Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon could have made the game safe late on, but Frank Lampard saw his side hold out against his former employers, to earn only his fourth win in 13 Premier League games in charge.
The victory was vital, reducing the gap behind Leeds and Burnley, with the Toffees having a game in hand on their relegation rivals.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will rue the fact they could not turn their possession into goals, with their preparations hampered by fireworks being set off during the night outside their hotel.
Tuchel said they had not affected his team’s preparations, but was left to reflect on a defeat that could hamper their chances of finishing third. Arsenal can climb to within three points of them by winning at West Ham later on Sunday.
If Everton and their fans were attempting to rattle their opponents, it worked, for what could prove to be a crucial step towards safety.
With so much at stake, once again the supporters helped boost a struggling but spirited team to earn a third win in four home matches, which will be key to their chances of survival.
Chelsea’s build-up had been disrupted, with midfielder Jorginho admitting he was woken by the fireworks outside the Chelsea hotel on Saturday night.
Before kick-off, thousands of Everton fans lined the streets outside Goodison Park, attempting to lift the mood that had been dampened by relegation rivals Burnley’s 2-1 victory at Watford on Saturday.
And in a full-blooded match, that noise helped set the tone as the hosts tore into their opponents with an aggression which was met with approval from their fans.
At times, it spilled over. Fabian Delph was fortunate not to go in the book for a foul on Jorginho, and then did shortly before half-time with a late challenge on Mount.
Seamus Coleman and Yerry Mina, back in the side, unsettled Azpilicueta, who was also booked after taking issue with Everton’s Colombian defender. Tuchel was furious with some of the treatment handed out to his players on his first visit to Goodison Park.
The football on show was limited in the first half, but it did not deter from a raucous occasion.
Mount curled an effort over after eight minutes. Loftus-Cheek, who replaced N’Golo Kante in midfield, made some dangerous runs from deep, and Gordon was a lively presence, shooting wide of the near post with a left-footed effort.
But no sooner had fans taken their seats for the second half, Everton went ahead and it was a goal made as a result of their tactics.
Azpilicueta dawdled on the edge of the penalty box, allowing Richarlison to pinch the ball from him, receive it back from Gray and slot in at the Gwladys Street End to send the stadium into ecstasy.
Three minutes later, Mykolenko hit the side netting from close range.
But around the hour mark, the home fans were rewarded with more good defensive play from their team, which was cheered as strongly as if Everton had scored.
Mount’s initial effort somehow stayed out after he hit both posts, before Pickford produced the first of two miraculous saves, firstly to deny Azpilicueta who had the goal at his mercy.
From the resulting corner, Pickford blocked Rudiger’s point-blank effort to keep his goal intact.
Following that commotion, and with Chelsea desperately searching for an equaliser, the game opened up, leading to further chances for Gordon and Richarlison.
Pickford was called into further action to deny Loftus-Cheek. But after seven minutes of stoppage time, the relief and delight inside
-BBC
