Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s prime 4 with a 4-0 demolition of hapless Southampton, however Aston Villa’s hopes of Champions League soccer subsequent season diminished after a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
After a run of three consecutive defeats, Chelsea badly wanted a response towards bottom-of-the-table Saints, who’re set for an instantaneous return to the Championship.
The Blues duly delivered with three first-half targets via Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Levi Colwill for only a third league win 11 video games.
Earlier than kick-off at Stamford Bridge, a small band of Chelsea followers gathered to protest towards the membership’s house owners over the membership’s kind and discontent over ticket costs.
As soon as the motion obtained underway, it was a much-needed snug night for Enzo Maresca’s males which the Italian will hope can restore confidence amongst his squad.
Nkunku took his tally for the season to 14 however solely three of these have come within the Premier League as he has usually needed to play reserve to the injured Nicolas Jackson.
The Frenchman stooped to move in a nook on the again submit earlier than teeing up Neto to blast dwelling a second.
Colwill headed in Neto’s free-kick to make the factors protected earlier than the break.
Marc Cucurella rounded off the scoring with a relaxed end from teenager Tyrique George’s cross.
Victory takes Chelsea two factors above Manchester Metropolis into fourth.
Because of English golf equipment’ robust efficiency in European competitors this season, a top-five end is prone to be sufficient for a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.
Villa had rejuvenated their hopes of a second consecutive season in Europe’s elite competitors after beating Chelsea on Saturday.
However Unai Emery’s males have received simply one among their final seven league video games after a capitulation at Selhurst Park.
Ismaila Sarr’s first-half opener was cancelled out early within the second interval by Morgan Rogers.
Jean-Philippe Mateta rapidly restored Palace’s benefit earlier than Sarr and Eddie Nketiah maintained the Eagles nice kind.
Oliver Glasner’s facet have received seven of their final 9 video games to rise to twelfth, simply six factors behind Villa in tenth.
Brighton received the battle of the south coast golf equipment with ambitions of European soccer subsequent season, over Bournemouth 2-1.
Joao Pedro received and transformed a penalty on 12 minutes to offer the Seagulls the lead.
A marvel strike from Justin Kluivert levelled for the Cherries, however Danny Welbeck’s winner moved the edges stage on factors.
Bournemouth sit seventh on objective distinction with Brighton in eighth, however now only one level behind fifth-placed Metropolis.
Wolves missed the possibility to drag additional away from the relegation zone after a 2-1 dwelling defeat to Fulham.
A quick begin to each halves noticed the guests take the factors as Ryan Sessegnon struck inside the primary minute and Rodrigo Muniz obtained the winner two minutes into the second interval.
Wolves stay 5 factors above the underside three.
League leaders Liverpool can take one other step in the direction of simply their second title in 35 years once they host Newcastle on Wednesday.
Second faces third as Arsenal go to Nottingham Forest, whereas Tottenham host Metropolis.
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