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Jackson drilled home from just outside the area in the 27th minute, having been fed by Enzo Fernandez after Everton striker Beto lost possession cheaply inside his own half.

That strike ensured Chelsea took full advantage of Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa being in FA Cup action this weekend.

But it had to come through an Everton onslaught in the second half, with the Toffees vastly improved by David Moyes's introductions of Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti and Ashley Young in the 64th minute.

After Beto had worked Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box, the Chelsea goalkeeper made a stunning save to keep out McNeil's close-range volley in the 87th minute.

Everton also felt Sanchez was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty in the first half, having come off his line to punch and only succeeded in clattering Vitalii Mykolenko.

Jordan Pickford twice denied Noni Madueke at the other end and Jackson had a potential second goal disallowed for offside, but his first-half strike was ultimately enough for Enzo Maresca's men.

The result took Chelsea to fourth on the table, one point behind City and above Forest on goal difference, but Newcastle United put it back into fifth after beating Ipswich Town later in the day.