Chelsea secured three important points in their quest to qualify for the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Enzo Fernández, a Jarrell Quansah own goal, and a late Cole Palmer penalty gave Enzo Maresca’s side a deserved victory, extending their excellent recent run of form to just one defeat in nine league games.
First half – Chelsea shows its hunger
After Liverpool made six changes following their decisive win over Tottenham last weekend, the difference in motivation was evident from the start. Chelsea started brightly and needed just three minutes to open the scoring. A fine attacking move saw Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto combine to set up Enzo Fernández, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal, giving the home side the lead.
The Blues continued to dominate early on, with Noni Madueke preferring to shoot rather than pass to Fernandez in another dangerous attack. Liverpool responded by retaining possession but struggled to create chances, with Robert Sanchez remaining largely inexperienced.
Second half – The Blues capitalize on luck
Chelsea regained the lead after the break, and Alisson Becker was called upon to stop Nicolas Jackson. The second goal came unexpectedly: Palmer beat Tsimikas on the wing and crossed low into the box. Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance was catapulted by Jarrell Quansah and found the back of the Liverpool net, giving Chelsea a two-goal lead.
That moment finally woke Liverpool up. Van Dijk and substitutes Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah all squandered good headed chances to reduce the deficit. Chelsea had a chance to kill the game off: Jadon Sancho’s shot was saved and Palmer hit the post. The Blues were almost punished when Van Dijk converted a corner to make it 2-1.
Palmer’s penalty seals the game
With the home crowd growing increasingly concerned, a clumsy foul by Quansah on Moisés Caicedo in added time gave Chelsea the chance to seal the victory from the penalty spot. Palmer wrong-footed Alisson, scoring his first goal since January, calming tensions and securing the result.
Key statistics
- Enzo Fernandez scored his fourth league goal of the season.
- Chelsea have lost only once in their last nine Premier League games.
- Liverpool have now conceded six goals in their last two away league games.
- Cole Palmer has scored his 13th PL goal of the campaign.
With the win, Chelsea move three points clear of Nottingham Forest in the top five, despite having played a game more. Liverpool, meanwhile, will not be perturbed by the defeat, having already secured their title, but will be keen to finish strongly before their next celebratory parade.
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