The Blues secured a 3-1 victory over the newly crowned Premier League champions, significantly boosting their prospects of Champions League qualification.
Enzo Fernandez struck early to put Chelsea ahead, and a Jarell Quansah own goal doubled their advantage. Virgil van Dijk briefly restored hope for Liverpool, but Cole Palmer’s late penalty sealed the win for the hosts. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea delivered one of their best performances of the season, prompting Slot to reflect on their overall campaign.
There were several standout individual displays, particularly from Palmer.
Gary Neville hailed Palmer as the best player on the pitch as he ended his goal drought, yet despite Chelsea’s strong showing, the gap between them and Liverpool remains significant.
Slot admitted he was taken aback by the disparity between the two clubs, having been thoroughly impressed with Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot said: “I expected them to be a threat this season because at Anfield they were better than us.
“They were so close to us. It was a complete surprise to me that we are now 19 points clear of them or something like that.
“I didn’t feel that at all when we played them. That tells you how well we did, probably, if a team like this with so much quality, and also not only in the first XI, but in the complete squad, that we are able to be 19 points ahead of them is a big compliment for our players.”
Despite Chelsea’s crucial victory, their fight for a top-five finish is far from over. They still face tough clashes against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are battling for Champions League qualification.
Slot has admired Chelsea’s commanding performances throughout the season but believes his team had the edge in possession during this encounter.
“Nothing good comes from losing a game of football, but if I have to take the positives there were definitely a few positives,” the 46-year-old said.
“Dominating ball possession at Stamford Bridge is not what many teams do over here because Chelsea are so comfortable with the ball as well.”
Chelsea has consistently dominated possession under Maresca, controlling the tempo in matches.
However, if they can convert that control into more decisive attacking play next season and sharpen their finishing, they could begin to narrow the gap with Liverpool.
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