Chelsea boosted their top-four hopes as they dispatched off the new Premier League champions Liverpool with a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues applauded Arne Slot’s side onto the pitch ahead of kick-off, but the home fans had reason to celebrate after just three minutes when Enzo Fernandez finished off a well-executed move with a composed finish.
Enzo Maresca’s side still have plenty to play for this season as they look to secure a top-five finish and a return to the Champions League next season.
And that dream was handed a boost after the break when Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance cannoned off Jarrell Quansah and into the Liverpool net after 56 minutes.
Van Dijk made for a tense final few moments when he headed home from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner in the 85th minute.
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But Chelsea held on, even managing to add a third deep in injury time when Cole Palmer got a well-deserved goal from the penalty spot after Moises Caicedo was tripped by Quansah.
The result moves Chelsea level on points with Newcastle on fourth after Eddie Howe’s side drew 1-1 with Brighton earlier on Sunday.
