In a statement performance at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea bolstered their Champions League aspirations with an impressive 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
The win, Chelsea’s third consecutive Premier League triumph, puts them level on points with Newcastle United in the coveted fourth position.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, with captain Enzo Fernandez breaking the deadlock after just two minutes and 33 seconds.
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The Argentine midfielder capitalized on Pedro Neto’s precise delivery to slot past Alisson from close range, setting the tone for a dominant Chelsea display.
Mauricio Maresca’s side continued to control proceedings throughout the first half, significantly outperforming the visitors in attacking quality.
Their persistence was rewarded eleven minutes into the second half when defensive confusion led to an unfortunate own goal by Jarell Quansah, who inadvertently deflected Virgil van Dijk’s clearance into his own net.
The two-goal deficit finally sparked Liverpool into action, with Van Dijk, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah all creating opportunities.
However, a combination of wayward finishing and resolute Chelsea defending kept the champions at bay until the 85th minute, when Van Dijk reduced the deficit from a corner to set up a tense finale.
Any hopes of a Liverpool comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai’s error forced Quansah into conceding a penalty. Cole Palmer stepped up to convert from the spot in the 96th minute, securing all three points for the Blues.
The comprehensive victory, in which Chelsea generated an expected goals tally of 2.91 compared to Liverpool’s 1.17, demonstrates their growing momentum under Maresca’s guidance.
Liverpool remain focused on their title challenge despite the setback, with a crucial clash against Arsenal looming in seven days.
Meanwhile, Chelsea face a busy week ahead, hosting Djurgarden in their Conference League semi-final on Thursday before a potentially season-defining encounter with Newcastle United on Sunday.
