Dominant Chelsea Push For Champions League
Chelsea crashed Liverpool’s title-winning celebrations with a statement win at Stamford Bridge. This win put Chelsea in 5th position in the Premier League table, level on points with Newcastle United. The top five Premier League teams are set to qualify for the Champions League next season.
This win was almost the culmination of everything that the fans and the manager had been asking for. From the outset, Chelsea asserted their dominance in the match. Enzo Fernández opened the deadlock early, resulting from a well-worked passage of play. Roméo Lavia started 2 matches consecutively for the first time since November and had an instant effect on the team.
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot did make five changes to the team which beat Spurs to claim the title last week. It was evident, as so many times, the fresh pairing of Endo-Curtis Jones seemed unable to contain Chelsea’s midfield. It almost felt as though Liverpool were lucky, going just 1 goal behind at the half-time break.
An unfortunate own goal in the second half from Jarrel Quansah doubled Chelsea’s lead. Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk tried to complicate matters by scoring a free header from the corner. However, all the nerves were settled down by a Cole Palmer penalty at the end to ensure a 3-1 win at the Bridge.
Chelsea’s Chances For Champions League Qualification
The Cole Palmer penalty goal could mean a very good omen for Chelsea’s aspirations to finish in Champions League spots. Palmer ended his barren goal-scoring run which had been stretching since January, when he last scored against Bournemouth. The 22-year-old has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s main man for the past two seasons. His return to goal-scoring form at the business end of the season could do wonders for the Blues.
Chelsea manager Maresca was looking in a spot of bother just weeks ago with questions regarding his tactical nous. However, since then, Chelsea have gone on a run of three straight wins and found them in the mix for the Top 5 again. It is essential for the Blues to continue this vein of form going into the last 4 matchdays. Chelsea arguably have the most difficult run of fixtures amongst their contemporaries, at least on paper. This run could ultimately make or break Maresca’s season at the club.
The Title and Relegation fate has already been decided. However, the race for Champions League spots still remains unpredictable. Man City, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea all have a realistic chance to grab the Champions League spots.
Chelsea are still to play Newcastle and Forest and these games are expected to have a major say in the final standings. Beating Liverpool might just inject the motivation required for the Blues to elevate their performance standards moving forward.
Authors Opinion
Enzo Maresca had a dream start to his managerial stint at Chelsea. The Blues were touted as the closest challengers to Liverpool going into the Christmas period. However, the slump in form that followed has resulted in Chelsea competing for Champions League spots now.
Major criticism has been aimed at Maresca regarding his in-game management at this high level. Chelsea have spent a fortune assembling this squad and are expected to comfortably be in Champions League spots. However, the season could still end up being salvaged if they finish in the top 5 and win the Conference League.
From a business point of view, Chelsea are in dire need of Champions League incentives. The Blues need to balance their books after the incredible spending spree they have been on in recent seasons. Attracting star players might also prove to be more difficult should Chelsea fail to secure Champions League spots.
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