Chelsea player ratings: Cole Palmer torments Liverpool as Enzo Fernandez goal evokes Frank Lampard comparisons | OneFootball

Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia also show their class in a massive win against the champions that boosts hopes for top-five finish

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

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Chelsea beat champions Liverpool 3-1 in a huge win in the fight for a top-five finish in the Premier League.

Chelsea doubled their advantage before the hour mark following more great work from Palmer when Virgil van Dijk’s clearance cannoned in off the unsuspecting Jarell Quansah, whose foul on Moises Caicedo gave Cole Palmer the chance to finally end his long goal drought with a last-gasp penalty after Van Dijk’s header had set up a nervy finish.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 6

Comfortable early save from Cody Gakpo, then unworked until picking Van Dijk’s header out of his net.

Moises Caicedo 8

Looked like he might be exposed by Gakpo’s physicality early on, but quickly got to grips with the Dutchman. Excellent in key closing stages when moved into midfield, including winning penalty.

Trevoh Chalobah 7

Smells danger so well. Made several vital interventions in his own box, including goal-saving tackle on Darwin Nunez. Booked.

Levi Colwill 6

Nullified Diogo Jota before being posed more awkward problems by Nunez’s power.

Marc Cucurella 6

Kept Salah quiet for the best part of an hour, though relieved to see the Egyptian head wide late on.

Romeo Lavia 8

Makes such a difference to this team with his composure and progressive passing.

Enzo Fernandez 8

Took his goal superbly. Another late arrival and finish that will evoke Frank Lampard comparisons.

Pedro Neto 7

Got plenty of joy against Liverpool’s second-choice left-back Kostas Tsimikas, including to create the opener.

Cole Palmer 8

At last! Had a big hand in the second goal, tormenting Tsimikas, then came so close to ending his drought when hitting post. But finally, got his goal from the spot, ending 18-game streak.

Noni Madueke 7

Again looked as good - or perhaps even better - on unfamiliar left wing as he does on the right. But did nowhere near enough to stop Van Dijk’s run for Liverpool goal.

Nicolas Jackson 6

Always a threat but timing off runs was strangely off. Flagged needlessly on several occasions.

Substitutes

Jadon Sancho (Jackson 72’) 6

Missed golden chance for a third.

Malo Gusto (Lavia 78’) N/A

Reece James (Fernandez 88’) N/A