Liverpool easily dispatched Tottenham, while Chelsea scored five goals and conceded none as they continued their intense race toward securing a European slot. The Reds are assured of a UEFA Champions League place next season and, at worst, a third-place finish, but the Blues still have to make the most of their remaining fixtures this season.
That’s what they did when West Ham, a team that held Liverpool in a 2-2 draw the previous weekend, visited Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been in good form recently, and they channeled the same energy to go 3-0 up in the first half.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring 15 minutes into the game for his 21st league goal of the season, while Conor Gallagher doubled the host’s lead fifteen minutes later; Noni Madueke’s 36th-minute effort made the Blues comfortable in a miserable first-half for the Hammers.
Nicolas Jackson scored a second-half brace as Chelsea continued to chase down Spurs, although the North Londoners are four points ahead of the Blues, especially after losing 4-2 to Liverpool at Anfield on the same day.
Liverpool took the driving force in their home fixture against Tottenham, rushing to a 2-0 lead before halftime. Mohamed Salah had a touchline bust-up with manager Jurgen Klopp last week at West Ham, but that didn’t matter as he opened the scoring with a far-post header from Cody Gakpo’s cross after 16 minutes, while Andy Robertson added the second just before halftime.
Liverpool quickly added two more within the first fifteen minutes of the second half, although Son and Richarlison made the scoreline respectable with two late goals.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes the result mirrors the season.
“It’s a little bit of a mirror of the season. Really, really, really, good until we were really rubbish, and then, we were okay again. It’s that period we concede in different ways. The moment you let them play, immediately, you see what they can do. If you don’t let them play, then you can hurt them, and that is all the stuff. Being 4-0 up, making the changes we made, we had exactly the same again.” Klopp said.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
