Chelsea has strengthened their bid for a place in next season’s Champions League with victory against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
After giving Liverpool the traditional champions’ guard of honour before kick-off, Chelsea went on to secure a crucial win that moves Enzo Maresca’s side level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United – who they now only trail in the table on goals scored going into their meeting at St James’ Park next Sunday.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot made six changes from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur to clinch the title at Anfield. PEnzo Fernandez put Chelsea on the road to victory after only three minutes, the Argentine arriving in the box with perfect timing to steer in Pedro Neto’s cross.
Chelsea extended their advantage after 56 minutes when Cole Palmer’s run created confusion in the Liverpool box, resulting in Virgil van Dijk blasting an attempted clearance against Jarell Quansah and into his own net.