Chelsea Secures 1-0 Win Over Everton, Maresca Absent Due to Ban

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was absent from the touchline during the team's 1-0 victory over Everton due to serving a one-match touchline ban, having received his third yellow card of the season for exuberant celebrations in a previous match. Despite his absence from the technical area, Maresca watched from the stands while assistant head coach Willy Caballero directed the team pitchside. Maresca expressed satisfaction with the win but frustration that Chelsea did not convert more chances to secure a more comfortable result. He emphasized the team's ongoing improvement and defended the progress made under his leadership compared to previous seasons. The victory temporarily moved Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive. The leadership group and coaching staff were called upon to take greater responsibility in Maresca's absence.