Chelsea – Liverpool: Blues Smash Three Past Champions To Keep Champions League Hopes Alive (3-1)

Chelsea defeated current Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive. An early goal by Enzo Fernandez gave the Blues the lead which was followed by an own goal from Jarell Quansah in the second half extending Chelsea’s lead to two goals. However, Virgil Van Dijk’s header kept Liverpool’s hopes of equalising alive. But a late penalty converted by Cole Palmer confirmed the win and gave Chelsea the vital three points on the night.

Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan.

By the end of the game at Stamford Bridge, as the full time whistle drew close deep into added time after the ninety, the entire Chelsea team, including keeper Robert Sanchez who ran the length of the pitch, celebrated Cole Palmer’s converted penalty fervently with renewed zest and vigour in front of the stands. Palmer's goal was the last and decisive kick of the game, the final nail in the coffin for Liverpool, securing the three points for the Blues. Enzo Maresca’s Blues certainly showed up on the night, in what was arguably their most vital and impressive win this season.

The Blues hit current Premier League champions Liverpool for three goals on a night where the league leaders were perhaps complacent after mathematically securing the title against Spurs in the previous gameweek. Arne Slot named what could perhaps be called a slightly weaker side as the midfield included the likes of Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot. However, Liverpool’s front three of Gakpo, Jota and Salah was still a full-strength attack.

Comparatively . . .