By Martin Graham
Chelsea claimed an important win at Stamford Bridge to stay in contention for next season’s Champions League, overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool in a match that could prove decisive in the top-four race. With this result, Enzo Maresca’s team pulled level on points with Newcastle United, currently in fourth place, ahead of their crucial meeting at St James’ Park next weekend.
Liverpool, fresh off sealing the league title with a victory over Tottenham, made six changes to their starting eleven under manager Arne Slot. The alterations seemed to affect their usual intensity, as the visitors struggled to match Chelsea’s urgency until the closing stages of the game. The hosts honoured the new champions with a guard of honour before kick-off but quickly shifted focus to their own pressing goals.
Chelsea struck first just three minutes into the match. Enzo Fernandez timed his run perfectly to meet Pedro Neto’s delivery and finished clinically to put the home side ahead. The early strike set the tone for Chelsea, who looked more determined throughout the contest.
The lead was doubled just before the hour mark. A darting run from Cole Palmer created havoc inside the Liverpool area, and in the ensuing confusion, Virgil van Dijk’s clearance attempt struck teammate Jarell Quansah and deflected into the Liverpool net. While the away side had chances to respond, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah both failed to capitalise in front of the jubilant away section celebrating the club’s 20th title.
Palmer, who had not scored in 18 appearances prior to this match, was instrumental in all three Chelsea goals. He set up the opener by switching the play to Neto and was central to the second goal, weaving through defenders and unsettling the backline before the own goal occurred. Later, he came agonizingly close to scoring himself, striking the post from a difficult angle after rounding goalkeeper Alisson.
Despite a late header from Van Dijk that gave Liverpool hope, Chelsea restored their two-goal cushion in stoppage time. Quansah brought down Moises Caicedo in the box, and Palmer stepped up to convert the penalty, sealing the win. His performance underlined his value to the team, especially at such a critical point in the season, with the top-four race heating up.
