CUCURELLA ON THE UP AS COOL BLUES SHOW A NEW SPIRIT

Landmark goal in win that rewarded hosts' nerve

- Alan Smith

IF the boots are no use, Marc Cucurella proved he can always do damage with his head.

A week after putting his £220 footwear in the bin following an unfortunate slip in the win at Tottenham, the full-back nodded in his first league goal for Chelsea to set Enzo Maresca's team on their way to a victory that moves them just two points behind Liverpool.

Nicolas Jackson, who missed a glut of chances, scored a second that proved decisive because of Bryan Mbeumo's late goal.

This was the type of game that Chelsea had become accustomed to letting slip in the past two seasons.