Chelsea have significantly boosted their chances of securing a Champions League berth following a deserved 3-1 victory over a disjointed and much-changed Liverpool side at Stamford Bridge. The Blues’ triumph, celebrated after Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations, showcased a dominant performance, particularly in the opening stages. Manager Arne Slot made six alterations to his starting lineup, a decision clearly reflected in Liverpool’s struggles, evident from the very first attack. Chelsea capitalized immediately, exploiting a Curtis Jones slip to deliver a pinpoint cross for Pedro Neto, who expertly laid it off to Enzo Fernandez for his 20th goal involvement of the season. This early lead underscored Chelsea’s intent and demonstrated the impact of a focused, attacking approach. Liverpool struggled to impose themselves, managing only one shot on target during the first half, with Moises Caicedo’s cross hitting the crossbar and Noni Madueke’s goal disallowed for an offside Nicolas Jackson. The second half saw Chelsea maintain their control, with Cole Palmer, arguably the standout performer on the pitch, driving down the right and delivering a crucial cross for Madueke, who went down in the area, resulting in a penalty awarded to Chelsea. Palmer confidently dispatched the spot-kick, ending Chelsea’s 12-game goal drought. Further opportunities arose as Palmer embarked on a stunning solo run down the left, striking the post, keeping Liverpool within reach. Liverpool responded with a header from Virgil van Dijk following a corner, momentarily reducing the deficit and injecting some nervous energy into Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea swiftly regained control when Dominik Szoboszlai’s poor pass to Jarell Quansah led to a swift intervention by Moises Caicedo, who was brought down by the Liverpool center-back. Palmer stepped up again to convert the penalty, extending Chelsea’s lead.

The result propel's Chelsea level on 63 points with fourth-placed Newcastle, who drew at Brighton earlier on Super Sunday. Chelsea also maintain a three-point advantage over Nottingham Forest, who face Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football.

Liverpool’s title celebrations continued, albeit lacking the usual intensity, as they prepare to host second-placed Arsenal next Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

**Player Ratings:**

**Chelsea:** Sanchez (6); Caicedo (8), Chalobah (7), Colwill (7), Cucurella (7); Lavia (8), Enzo (7), Palmer (9); Neto (7), Jackson (6), Madueke (8)

**Subs used:** Sancho (6), Gusto (6), James (n/a)

**Liverpool:** Alisson (6); Alexander-Arnold (5), Quansah (4), Van Dijk (6), Tsimikas (5); Endo (5), Elliott (5), Jones (5); Salah (4), Jota (5), Gakpo (5)

**Subs used:** Bradley (6), Nunez (5), Mac Allister (6), Szoboszlai (5), Chiesa (n/a)

**Player of the Match: Cole Palmer**

**WATCH:** Boos at the Bridge as Liverpool get guard of honour!

**Story of the match in stats**

**What’s coming up in the Premier League?**

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