Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to open up a 5-point gap in the race for the Champions League but their win also earned Liverpool the Premier League title for the first time in 30 years.

Jurgen Klopp’s men defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night to go 23 points clear with seven matches to the end of the season but needed the Cityzens to lose or draw for them to claim the title.

And their prayers were answered as the Blues ensured that Man City fell at the Bridge with goals from Christian Pulisic and Willian while Kevin de Bruyne scored a superb freekick for the outgoing champions.

Pep Guardiola had said he would focus on the FA Cup and rest players for the Chelsea tie but it was far from it as he played a full strength squad at Stanford Bridge.

The Cityzens dominated possession and pegged Chelsea back but they did not trouble the Chelsea goal as expected. A corner kick in the Blues was cleared but a mixed up from Ilkay Gundogan and Mendy allow Christian Pulisic in and he finished with aplomb. 

City knowing they need to respond to delay Liverpool’s title party won a freekick when Riyad Mahrez was fouled by N’Golo Kante and De Bruyne masterfully executed his freekick from almost 25 yard into the top corner of the net to make it 1-1.

Chelsea pushed forward for the win as they fight for Champions League qualification. Pulisic shot was cleared off the line by Kyle Walker but minutes later the Blues won a penalty courtesy a handball on the line from Fernandinho.

The Brazilian was shown a straight red card and his compatriot, Willian stepped up and finished beyond another Selecao star, Ederson, in goal for the visitors.

The game finished 2-1 in favour of Frank Lampard’s men as they opened up a five points gap on fifth and sixth placed Manchester United and Wolves while Liverpool were crowned Champions by virtue of the Blues victory.

Liverpool became the first side to win the premier league trophy with as much as seven matches left before the end of the season. It was their first title in 30 years since they last won it in 1990 but the first in the new premier league era.

source:- fcnaija