Chelsea defeated Premier League champion Liverpool 3-1 Sunday at Stamford Bridge, strengthening its position in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring for Chelsea just three minutes into the match. The midfielder converted a pass inside the penalty area.
Chelsea extended its lead in the second half when Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah inadvertently directed the ball into his own net in the 56th minute. The play developed from a sequence initiated by Cole Palmer.
Liverpool pulled a goal back in the 85th minute through Virgil van Dijk. The defender headed in from a corner kick.
Cole Palmer secured the win for Chelsea in the final moments of the game, scoring a penalty kick in the 96th minute after Moisés Caicedo was fouled in the box by Quansah. The goal ended a scoring drought for Palmer that dated back to mid-January.
The result keeps Chelsea fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United, separated only by goals scored. Liverpool secured the league title prior to the match.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on the performance post-match at Stamford Bridge.
“Nothing good comes from losing a game of football, but if I have to take the positives there were definitely a few positives,” Slot said. “Being 2-0 down, don't give up, try to fight ourselves back into the game - and that's what we did.”
