Chelsea defeat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1: Key stats
What's the story
Chelsea defeated Liverpool 3-1 in matchweek 35 of the Premier League 2024-25 season to keep their hopes alive for next season's Champions League qualification.
The match was played at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool, who were crowned champions last weekend after beating Tottenham Hotspur, failed to live up to the expectations with manager Arne Slot making six changes to their starting lineup.
Here's more.
Match highlights
Chelsea capitalize on Liverpool's early mistakes
Chelsea capitalized on Liverpool's early errors, scoring from their first attack.
A Curtis Jones slip allowed Pedro Neto to set up Enzo Fernandez for the opener.
The Blues continued to dominate but couldn't double their lead before the break despite having a few opportunities.
Liverpool managed just one shot on target in the first half, underlining Chelsea's defensive prowess and attacking pressure.
Game changer
Palmer's brilliance leads Chelsea to victory
In the second half, Chelsea maintained their attacking intent. Cole Palmer, the star of the match, was instrumental in Chelsea's win.
He made a run down the right and crossed for Noni Madueke, who went down in the area.
Virgil van Dijk tried to clear but accidentally kicked the ball into Jarell Quansah, resulting in an own goal.
Match progression
Liverpool's response and Chelsea's resilience
Chelsea could've made it 3-0 when Palmer hit the inside of the post after a brilliant solo run.
But Liverpool hit back with Van Dijk heading in from a corner to cut the deficit, adding tension at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues showed resilience as Moises Caicedo capitalized on Dominik Szoboszlai's poor pass and was fouled by Quansah, leading to a penalty awarded to Chelsea.
Palmer stepped up to take the penalty and scored. This goal ended his 12-match drought.
Details
Match stats and points table
Chelsea clocked 17 attempts with 7 shots on target. Liverpool had 2 shots on target from 11 attempts.
Chelsea created 4 big chances to Liverpool's three. In terms of touches in the opposition box, Liverpool edged past the Blues 35-33).
Liverpool had 65% ball possession and earned six corners.
Champions Liverpool suffered only their third defeat of the season. Arne Slot's men own 82 points.
Chelsea are 5th and trail 3rd-placed Manchester City by a point. Chelsea are behind Newcastle United on goal difference.
Scorers
Palmer races to 15 Premier League goals this season
Making his 86th Premier League appearance, Palmer has raced to 37 goals (A20). He scored his 15th goal of the season (A8). Meanwhile, this was Palmer's 4th penalty goal scored this season.
Fernandez is now involved in 20 Premier League goals (G9 A11). He owns six goals and 7 assists this season.
Van Dijk scored his registered his 25th Premier League goal in what was his 299th appearance.
Opta stats
Key records made as Chelsea down the Reds
Chelsea sealed their first victory over the Reds since a 1-0 win in March 2021. It ended a run of 10 games without a win for the Blues against the Reds in all competitions (D7 L3).
Chelsea have picked up 20 points from their last nine Premier League games (W6 D2 L1).
Liverpool have now scored in each of their last 31 Premier League matches since a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September.