Sunday’s Premier League games produced some potentially vital results in the title race, as well as the fight for a Champions League spot. Here is what happened in Sunday’s top-flight games:
Blues see off neighbours in south west London derby
In one of the earlier kick-offs of the day, Chelsea recorded a 2-1 victory at south west London rivals Fulham.
Chelsea took the lead on 20 minutes through Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain, who had already missed some good chances. However, the Juventus loanee found the net after he got on the end of a cross from the right from full-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
The recalled Kepa was called into action at the other end of the pitch on 26 minutes, producing a good save from an Aleksandar Mitrovic volley. However, the Cottagers did level the scores from the resulting corner kick, as defender Calum Chambers volleyed home at the back post. Aleksandar Mitrovic.
However, the visitors restored their lead four minutes later, as Jorginho’s superb strike from the edge of the area beat Sergio Rico in the home goal. The Blues had chances to add to their tally before half time.
Higuain missed a superb opportunity before Rico saved from Eden Hazard. The Spanish goalkeeper also made a sublime stop from Higuain before also keeping Hazard once again and Willian after the break.
However, the home side survived the onslaught and launch a few dangerous attacks of their own. Mitrovic fired wide of goal from just outside the area and parried an effort from midfielder Tom Cairney. Kepa was the visitor’s saviour on 89 minutes, as he kept out a Mitrovic header. There was still also time for Ryan Sessegnon to see a goal ruled out for offside in stoppage-time.
The result Chelsea move back to within two points of fourth place Manchester United in the race for the top-four spots. However, the bookmakers believe the Blues will finish in the Champions League spots this season. Fulham remain 19th place, ten points from safety.
Dogged Everton dent Reds title hopes
Everton and Liverpool drew 0-0 at Goodison Park in the 200th league Merseyside derby. The result dented the Reds hopes of ending their long title drought.
Roared on by the passionate home support, Everton were never going to be easy opponents for the title challengers. Liverpool offered the greater attacking threat in the opening period, as Mohamed Salah saw a shot from the edge of the box easily dealt with by Jordan Pickford.
The Egyptian then had another chance to add to season goal tally, as Sadio Mane put the forward through on goal. The former Chelsea forward outpaced the Everton defence, only for the England number one to produce a fine stop. Jordan Henderson’s effort from the rebound was blocked by the stubborn home backline.
Everton first effort on goal saw Theo Walcott fire wide of goal when well placed. The Toffees also had the next effort on goal, but young striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could only head straight at Alisson.
Divock Origi fired wide of the near post before Salah had another chance to score. Joel Matip played in the Egyptian, but Everton centre-back Michael Keane produced a fantastic last gasp tackle. Fabinho should have scored on 67 minutes, but the Brazilian dallied in the area and allowed Everton’s Seamus Coleman to nip in and take the ball off him with a fine challenge.
Everton improved in the attacking third in the final 20 minutes. However, the presence of Virgil van Dijk in the Reds defence was enough to thwart a winning goal.
The result means that Liverpool now trail reigning champions Manchester City by one point. Everton remain 10th in the table but will be lifted by taking four points from a possible six in their last two games, while keeping clean sheets.
Sunday’s other Premier League result
Watford 2-1 Leicester
Is Liverpool’s title challenge still alive?
