COOL, PALM, COLLECTED

Blues' relief as Cole marks his long-awaited return with goal

- BY ROBERT O'CONNOR

COLE PALMER scored on his first Stamford Bridge start in almost four months as Chelsea beat Everton to move back into the top four.

After four winless matches, Enzo Maresca could hardly have asked for a better moment for his most influential player to announce his return from the groin injury that has wrecked his season up to now.

It came in the 21st minute, the England forward sweeping his side into the lead from Malo Gusto’ clever pass.

Fresh from a first career goal in November, it was Gusto who then got the second from Pedro Netos cross before the break.