London, May 9: Liverpool’s hopes of sealing Champions League qualification suffered another setback after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday, while Bournemouth and Brighton strengthened their push for European football with important Premier League victories.
Fernández rescues Chelsea
Chelsea ended their six-match losing streak in the league with a spirited draw against Liverpool, who once again struggled for consistency despite taking an early lead.
Ryan Gravenberch put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute with a superb curling strike from outside the box, raising hopes of a vital victory for Arne Slot’s men. However, Chelsea responded strongly and equalised in the 36th minute through Enzo Fernandez, whose long-range free-kick bounced awkwardly inside the box, struck the far post and rolled into the net with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili caught flat-footed.
Liverpool pushed hard in the closing stages, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk both striking the woodwork, but the Reds were unable to find a winner as boos rang around Anfield at the final whistle.
Despite the frustrating draw, fourth-placed Liverpool remain in control of their Champions League destiny and can secure qualification with a victory against Aston Villa next week.
Sunderland frustrate Manchester United
Sunderland were denied a rare Premier League victory over Manchester United after a wasteful afternoon at the Stadium of Light ended in a goalless draw.
The hosts created the better chances throughout the contest, with Noah Sadiki squandering an early one-on-one opportunity before visiting goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced several crucial saves to deny Brian Brobbey.
Brobbey later set up Lutsharel Geertruida, whose late strike crashed against the post as Sunderland continued to press for a breakthrough. Manchester United, missing veteran midfielder Casemiro and making five changes from the side that defeated Liverpool last week, struggled badly in attack and nearly failed to register a shot on target for the first time in a decade until Matheus Cunha forced a late save from Robin Roefs.
Bournemouth edge Fulham
Bournemouth boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham in a dramatic contest that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.Brazilian teenager Rayan scored the decisive goal early in the second half with a powerful low strike from 20 yards after being set up by Adam Smith.
The match turned feisty before halftime as Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie was sent off following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Timothy Castagne. Fulham’s numerical advantage lasted only a few minutes, however, as Joachim Andersen was also dismissed after another VAR intervention for a similar foul on Adrien Truffert.
The victory lifted Bournemouth firmly into sixth place, keeping their European ambitions alive heading into the final weeks of the season.
Brighton cruise past Wolves
Brighton also stayed firmly in the hunt for European qualification after a comfortable 3-0 victory over already-relegated Wolves at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls made a dream start as Jack Hinshelwood headed home after just 35 seconds — the earliest Premier League goal in Brighton’s history.
Captain Lewis Dunk doubled the lead only four minutes later with another header from a Maxim de Cuyper corner as Wolves were left stunned.
Brighton continued to dominate, though Wolves briefly threatened in the second half when Yerson Mosquera hit the crossbar and Mateus Mane forced a save from Bart Verbruggen. (AP)
