Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has hammered Chelsea's defence for failing to mark Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool pulled a goal back at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
With the visitors firmly in party mode, the afternoon started on a sour note for home fans as Enzo Maresca's team decided to perform a guard of honour for Liverpool as they entered the pitch. With the boos only just subsiding, Chelsea took the lead as Enzo Fernandez scored on three minutes.
The Blues doubled their advantage against the champions just after the break as Jarell Quansah inadvertently deflected the ball into his own goal after blocking Van Dijk's clearance. With Chelsea seemingly on their way towards the three points, Arne Slot's team were handed a lifeline as the Dutch centre-back powered a free header into the back of the net.
After the goal, Neville was angered by the Chelsea defence and did not pull any punches on Sky Sports' Super Sunday. "You didn't have to be a set-piece coach to know that was coming," he told viewers.
"They haven't dealt with the biggest threat - Van Dijk is the only player to be worried about and there is nobody near him. What are they doing?"
Fortunately for Chelsea, the points would be secured in stoppage time when Quansah brought down Moises Caicedo in the penalty area. Cole Palmer, who had not scored in the Premier League since January, buried the spot kick to seal a big three points for the Blues.
Thanks to results elsewhere, Chelsea cemented their place in the top five with the victory. Nottingham Forest are three points behind Maresca's men, but even if they win tomorrow night at Crystal Palace, they are unlikely to overtake Chelsea due to the Blues' superior goal difference.
This season, the top five in the Premier League will qualify automatically for the Champions League next season.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!