Chelsea boost Champions League hopes with statement win over Liverpool

Chelsea took a major step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-1 victory over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on 4 May, drawing level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United ahead of their decisive meeting at St James' Park next Sunday.

Enzo Maresca's side delivered a performance full of urgency and purpose, in contrast to a much-changed Liverpool team that showed signs of a title hangover following their triumph-clinching win over Tottenham. Arne Slot made six changes to the starting XI, and his side never quite matched Chelsea's intensity until the contest was effectively out of reach.

The hosts set the tone from the outset, giving Liverpool a guard of honour before kick-off, but quickly shifting focus. They were in front within three minutes as Enzo Fernandez timed his arrival into the box perfectly to convert Pedro Neto's low cross.

Chelsea doubled their lead early in the second half, with Cole Palmer's driving run causing confusion in the Liverpool box. In the chaos, Virgil van Dijk's attempted clearance struck team-mate Jarell Quansah and ricocheted into the net for an unfortunate own goal.

Liverpool's attack came to life too late. Substitute Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah spurned good chances before Van Dijk headed in a late reply with five minutes remaining. But Chelsea weren't finished—Palmer, who had earlier struck the post from a tight angle, sealed the win from the penalty spot in added time after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo.

Cole Palmer's return to goalscoring form couldn't have come at a better time for Chelsea. Without a goal since January's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, the 22-year-old was at the heart of everything positive for his side.

He provided the pass to Neto that led to Fernandez's early opener, then ran at Liverpool's defence to create the panic that caused the own goal. His curled effort that clipped the post deserved better, but he made no mistake when given the chance to seal the win from the spot in stoppage time.

Palmer's performance underlined his growing influence in Chelsea's campaign and sets the stage for a pivotal clash against Newcastle in the race for the top four.

After the euphoria of sealing a 20th league title at Anfield, Liverpool lacked their usual sharpness and urgency. Slot's rotated line-up failed to cope with Chelsea's early energy and were punished within minutes.

By the time Liverpool found their rhythm, they were already two goals down. Though Van Dijk's late header briefly offered hope, missed chances from Nunez and Salah ensured it was too little, too late.

Still, the travelling Liverpool fans were in celebratory mood throughout, proudly waving banners and chanting in recognition of their side's title success. Their focus now turns to the trophy presentation on the final day of the season, when Crystal Palace visit Anfield.

For Chelsea, though, the job is far from done—with a top-four finish now within reach, their trip to Newcastle on 11 may could define their season.