Chelsea moved a step closer to the Champions League Chances with victory over Liverpool.

Match Overview

Chelsea moved a step closer to Champions League qualification on Sunday by beating under-strength champions Liverpool with the score of 3-1 with a first-half strike from Enzo Fernandez, a ricocheted own-goal by Jarell Quansah and a Cole Palmer penalty. Chelsea secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025, enhancing their Champions League qualification hopes. The match was particularly significant for Chelsea, as they aimed to close the gap to the top four in the Premier League standings.

The game was into the third minute when Palmer found Pedro Neto whose cut-back cross fell to the unmarked Fernandez and the Argentine whipped the ball low into the net. The lively Palmer was also instrumental in the second goal after he clipped the ball into the area and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance bounced off teammate Quansah and into the goal. Palmer scored his first goal since mid-January from the spot in the 96th minute after Quansah’s foul on Moises Caicedo. Van Dijk had pulled one back in the 84th minute from a corner for Liverpool. The result kept Chelsea fifth in the table, separated from fourth-placed Newcastle United only by goals scored.

Key Moments

- Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring for Chelsea in the first half, giving them an early advantage.

- Liverpool’s defense suffered a setback when Jarell Quansah scored an own goal, further extending Chelsea’s lead.

- Despite being crowned Premier League champions earlier in the week, Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm and managed only a late consolation goal from Virgil van Dijk in the 84th minute.

- Chelsea sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty converted by Cole Palmer, marking his first goal since January and ending an 18-match goal drought.

Key Highlights

- Liverpool, having already secured the league title, fielded a weakened side with six changes, lacking their usual intensity.

- Chelsea’s victory places them fifth in the league, equal on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United but trailing on goal difference.

- A pivotal match between Chelsea and Newcastle is scheduled for next weekend, with both clubs vying for Champions League spots, as the top five Premier League teams qualify for the competition.

Player Performances

Chelsea Player Ratings

1. Enzo Fernández – 7/10
  Opened the scoring early in the match, capitalizing on a well-executed team move.
2. Cole Palmer – 8/10
  Ended an 18-match goal drought with a stoppage-time penalty, showcasing resilience and mental fortitude.
3. Reece James – 8/10
  Provided significant attacking contributions, creating several chances and maintaining defensive solidity.
4. Carney Chukwuemeka – 7/10
  Displayed relentless work-rate and energy, covering substantial ground in midfield.
5. Ben Chilwell – 7/10
  Involved in the build-up to Chelsea’s goal and had a potential goal ruled out by VAR.
6. Kai Havertz – 5/10
  Missed several key opportunities, including a close-range chance in the first half.
7. Nicolas Jackson – 6/10
  Showed promise with link-up play but was unable to convert chances into goals

Liverpool Player Ratings

1. Virgil van Dijk – 10/10
  Delivered an imperious performance, scoring Liverpool’s only goal and commanding the defense.
2. Mohamed Salah – 7/10
  Provided an assist and was a constant threat, though Liverpool lacked support in attack.
3. Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5/10
  Showed energy and promise but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
4. Cody Gakpo – 5/10
  Played in midfield but was largely ineffective, with limited impact on the game.
5. Curtis Jones – 4/10
  Had difficulty influencing the game and was substituted after 45 minutes.
6. Darwin Núñez – 4/10
  Limited opportunities and struggled to make an impact when introduced.

Match Statistics

1. Possession:

- Chelsea: 35%
- Liverpool: 65%

1. Total Shots:

- Chelsea: 4
- Liverpool: 28

1. Shots on Target:

- Chelsea: 3
- Liverpool: 13

1. Shots off Target:

- Chelsea: 1
- Liverpool: 6

1. Blocked Shots:

- Chelsea: 0
- Liverpool: 9

1. Corners:

- Chelsea: 0
- Liverpool: 8

1. Offsides:

- Chelsea: 3
- Liverpool: 3

1. Free Kicks:

- Chelsea: 14
- Liverpool: 13

1. Fouls Committed:

- Chelsea: 14
- Liverpool: 15

1. Saves:

- Chelsea: 9
- Liverpool: 2

Manager Reactions

Following Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool on May 4, 2025, both managers shared their perspectives on the match.

Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their adaptability and defensive resilience. He praised Cole Palmer for ending his 18-match goal drought with a decisive stoppage-time penalty, emphasizing Palmer’s consistent efforts despite recent challenges. Maresca also acknowledged Liverpool’s quality, noting that their strength forced Chelsea to adapt defensively during the match.

Arne Slot (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot reflected on the defeat, recognizing the fine margins in elite football and underlining the need for consistent performance to remain competitive. He commended his team’s defensive effort, noting the strong work rate throughout the squad. Despite the loss, Slot maintained confidence in his team’s capabilities

Both managers acknowledged the challenges faced during the match and reiterated their commitment to their respective teams’ objectives.

Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession and attacking metrics, Chelsea capitalized on their limited opportunities, showcasing clinical finishing and a resilient defensive performance. The match highlighted Chelsea’s efficiency and Liverpool’s challenges in maintaining focus post-title clinch.

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