Chelsea closed the gap on fourth-place Newcastle United in the Premier League, leveling on points and goal difference with Eddie Howe’s team.
After securing the league title, Liverpool lost their way in their next match. Chelsea defeated the new champions at Stamford Bridge, edging past them in a crucial contest. With this win, Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League grew stronger.
Chelsea won 3-1 at home on Sunday.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring early for Chelsea, followed by an own goal from Jarrël Quansah, increasing the lead. Virgil van Dijk reduced the deficit for Liverpool late in the match, but Cole Palmer sealed the win with a successful penalty in added time.
Liverpool had 65% possession and took 11 shots, with only two on target. Chelsea, on the other hand, had 17 shots, with seven on target.
Chelsea took the lead in the 3rd minute when Fernandez received a great cross from Pedro Neto in the box and calmly slotted it home.
This was Fernandez’s seventh goal of the season across all competitions, contributing to 13 goals.
Liverpool, trailing early, had their first good chance in the 9th minute. Cody Gakpo’s shot was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The match heated up with plenty of counter-attacks. Chelsea almost extended their lead in the 32nd minute when Nicolas Jackson’s cross hit the crossbar. A few minutes later, Noni Madueke found the net, but Jackson was offside, so the goal was ruled out.
Chelsea’s lead increased in the 56th minute, with a fortunate own goal. Madueke’s shot was blocked, and the ball deflected off Quansah and into Liverpool’s net.
Liverpool came close to narrowing the gap in the 68th minute, but Darwin Núñez missed a header from a great position. Mohamed Salah’s header in the 78th minute also went wide of the far post.
In the 80th minute, Jadon Sancho’s shot was saved by Alisson. The opportunity for Chelsea to extend their lead slipped away when Palmer’s shot hit the post and was cleared by a Liverpool defender.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk gave his team hope in the 85th minute, heading in from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner.
In the final minute, Moisés Caicedo was fouled by Quansah in the box, and Chelsea were awarded a penalty. Palmer coolly converted it, scoring his first Premier League goal since January.
With this result, Liverpool remain at the top with 82 points from 35 matches. Arsenal (67) and Manchester City (64) follow in second and third, respectively.
Newcastle and Chelsea are level on points (63) and goal difference (+21). Newcastle hold the fourth spot, while Chelsea are fifth.
