Chelsea sent a strong signal in the race for Champions League qualification by beating Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in one of their most convincing performances under Enzo Maresca. With this result, the Blues catch up with Newcastle in fourth place and head into Sunday’s direct clash with confidence and momentum on their side.
The Reds, playing their first match since officially clinching the Premier League title, showed signs of fatigue and rotation. Despite a late push featuring five forwards on the pitch, Arne Slot's side couldn’t avoid a defeat that, while irrelevant for their campaign, highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities.
For Chelsea, this win was about control and character. They started strong with Enzo Fernandez opening the scoring after just three minutes. In the second half, an own goal by Quansah – after a rare mistake by Van Dijk – doubled the lead. Van Dijk made up for it with a late header to pull one back, but a defensive lapse in stoppage time gave Cole Palmer the chance to seal the result from the penalty spot. Palmer’s goal ends a 12-game drought and reaffirms his role as the Blues’ main man.
Arsenal stumble ahead of PSG clash, Aston Villa fuel European hopes
03 May - 22:49 •
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Elsewhere, Newcastle rescued a 1-1 draw at Brighton thanks to an 89th-minute penalty from Alexander Isak. The Seagulls had taken the lead with a stunning strike from Minteh and were unlucky not to come away with the win, especially after two disallowed penalties for the visitors. The draw leaves both teams frustrated, with Brighton still chasing a potential Conference League spot.
Meanwhile, both Manchester United and Tottenham struggled again in the league. United suffered a 4-3 defeat at Brentford, extending their winless streak to six games in the Premier League. Spurs, despite snapping a run of three losses, were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham and remain off the pace for a top-four finish.
