Gary Neville had no hesitation in identifying the standout performer during Chelsea’s 3-1 triumph over Premier League champions Liverpool.
The win strengthened Chelsea’s bid for Champions League qualification while handing Liverpool just their third league loss of the season.
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Having secured their 20th English league title the previous weekend, Liverpool seemed off the pace for much of Sunday’s contest at Stamford Bridge. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea struck early, with Enzo Fernandez opening the scoring in the third minute, followed by Jarell Quansah’s own goal that doubled their advantage.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pulled one back with a header in the 85th minute, but Chelsea remained composed, adding another goal to move three points clear of Nottingham Forest in the top-five race.
Neville hailed the victory as ‘potentially massive’ and singled out Cole Palmer as the ‘best player on the pitch’.
Despite a recent dip in form after a stellar first half of the season, Palmer played a key role in all three of Chelsea’s goals, with Neville describing him as ‘a joy to watch.’
‘He’s the best player on the pitch by an absolute street,’ Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. ‘He’s been brilliant today, he really has.’
After naming Palmer as his Player of the Match, the ex-Manchester United and England player added: ‘It’s been a brilliant performance from Palmer. He’s been a joy to watch.
‘He deserved that goal because he’s been the difference. A class act on the pitch throughout.’
Palmer’s intelligent movement was praised during the lead-up to Chelsea’s opening goal, and he was instrumental in setting up their second.
The England international then had an opportunity to break his scoring drought dating back to mid-January when Chelsea won a stoppage-time penalty. He stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, rounding off an outstanding individual display.
Discussing Chelsea’s victory at full-time, Neville said: ‘It’s a big day for Chelsea.
‘The Champions League race seems to fluctuate from week to week but this is a statement victory for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca
‘The fans knew how big this was. Liverpool were off it but it’s all about Chelsea today.’
Chelsea have drawn level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United, trailing third-placed Manchester City by a single point and sitting four behind second-placed Arsenal.
Their Premier League season will wrap up with crucial fixtures against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest.
Discussing the race for Champions League football after Chelsea’s win, ex-Blues winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘If you are a Newcastle, Forest or Villa fan this is the last thing you want to hear but this result really makes this last little period chasing the top five positions absolutely brilliant.
‘There was one little moment when Slot was going to make substitutions, he waited and Chelsea went 2-0 up. Had he done that, it might have been very different.’
Nevin added: ‘It’s a brilliant moment for the Chelsea fans, manager and the club because they needed the win.
‘They all wanted Palmer to score, he’s been getting better for weeks and he has chosen just the right way to turn it on.’
