Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool: Cole Palmer shines as Blues enhance Champions League hopes by beating out-of-sorts champions

Chelsea boosted their possibilities of qualifying for subsequent season’s Champions League as they deservedly gained 3-1 towards a much-changed Liverpool aspect nonetheless celebrating their Premier League title triumph.

After the Reds had been topped champions final weekend following their win towards Tottenham Hotspur – and due to this fact handed a guard of honour by the Blues earlier than kick-off – Arne Slot made six adjustments to his common line-up and it confirmed.

Liverpool had been out of types, proper from the get-go as Chelsea scored from their first assault. Curtis Jones’ slip allowed the Blues to interrupt, with Pedro Neto crossing to Enzo Fernandez, who tucked dwelling to make it 20 aim involvements for the season.

Chelsea might have added to their lead earlier than half-time, with Liverpool solely having one shot on track within the opening interval. Moises Caicedo’s cross inadvertently got here off the bar, whereas Noni Madueke noticed a aim disallowed for a Nicolas Jackson offside.

The hosts continued their drive within the second interval and ultimately acquired their reward. Cole Palmer – the most effective participant on the park – drove down the precise and crossed for Madueke, who went down within the space. As Virgil van Dijk tried to clear, he might solely boot the ball into Jarell Quansah and into the online.

It might have been three for Chelsea because the excellent Palmer went on a solo run down the left and struck the within of the publish. That saved Liverpool within the contest – and Van Dijk’s header from a nook halved the deficit to carry nerves round Stamford Bridge.

These nerves had been eased as Dominik Szoboszlai’s poor cross to Quansah noticed Caicedo nip in and he was introduced down by the Liverpool centre-back. That allowed Palmer to step up and rating from the penalty spot to finish a 12-game run with out a aim.

Chelsea’s win strikes them stage on 63 factors with fourth-placed Newcastle, who might solely draw at Brighton earlier on Tremendous Sunday – and Enzo Maresca’s aspect are three factors away from Nottingham Forest, who journey to Crystal Palace on Monday Night time Soccer.

As for Liverpool, the title procession – or celebration because it usually appeared from the away finish in west London – continues, with the Reds internet hosting second-placed Arsenal subsequent Sunday, stay on Sky Sports activities.

WATCH: Boos on the Bridge as Liverpool get guard of honour!

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