Everton give themselves hope

LONDON. - Everton moved to within two points of the Premier League safety zone with a priceless 1-0 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 68-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.

Son Heung-min scored twice and Harry Kane rediscovered his touch in front of goal as Tottenham beat Leicester 3-1 to boost their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish.

Kane, goalless in his previous five Spurs games, headed in the opener from Son’s corner.

Son stroked in the second after being picked out by Dejan Kulusevski, then curled in a sensational third.

Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho scored a consolation with a crisp strike.

With upcoming matches against title-chasing Liverpool and top-four rivals Arsenal, Tottenham knew the importance of returning to winning ways against a Leicester side with more pressing priorities this week.

Spurs had not won either their two previous matches, punished for a sluggish display in a home defeat by Brighton and unable to break down a stubborn Brentford last weekend.

“We scored early in the first half and that changed the game - (we) knew we’d have more space in the second half,” said Son.