Chelsea reignited their push for a top-four finish with a lively 3-1 win over a rotated and relaxed Liverpool side at Stamford Bridge. The visitors, fresh off their Premier League title celebrations, looked like a team still hungover from the party—and Chelsea took full advantage.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
It took Enzo Maresca’s men less than three minutes to break through, with Pedro Neto cutting a cross back to Enzo Fernandez, who coolly slotted home past Alisson. The goal stunned a heavily rotated Liverpool team that lacked the urgency and sharpness seen in their recent title-clinching performance.
Chelsea thought they had doubled their lead just before halftime through Noni Madueke, but the flag went up for offside. Still, the signs were clear: Chelsea were the aggressors, Liverpool the spectators.
After the break, fortune favored the Blues again. A chaotic moment saw Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance ricochet off teammate Jarell Quansah and roll helplessly into the net—an own goal that summed up Liverpool’s disjointed afternoon.
Palmer Back Among the Goals
Cole Palmer, who had been searching for a goal since January, played a central role throughout. He hit the post with a clever effort in the second half and was instrumental in the buildup to the second goal. Finally, in stoppage time, he got his moment—coolly converting a penalty after Moises Caicedo was fouled by Quansah in the box.
Liverpool briefly threatened a comeback when Van Dijk powered home a header to make it 2-1, but their late surge wasn’t enough. With Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah both wasting chances, it was clear this wasn’t the same Liverpool that had stormed through the league.
While the Reds looked content to celebrate their title in the away end, Chelsea’s players—and fans—were laser-focused on the Champions League race. The win brings them level on points with fourth-place Newcastle ahead of a huge clash at St. James’ Park next weekend.
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