Lavia played 67 minutes at the base of Maresca’s midfield at Stamford Bridge in his first Chelsea start since January.

Enzo Maresca has insisted Chelsea will have improved as a team this season even if they miss out on Champions League qualification.

Chelsea may have stumbled upon their best starting XI in their 1-0 win at home to Everton. The crucial change was the addition of midfielder Romeo Lavia, as captain Reece James dropped to the bench, with Moises Caicedo moving to right-back but still stepping into the middle when Chelsea had possession.