EPL Top 5 Race: Chelsea, Newcastle Stay in the Hunt

• Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez shine as Chelsea outclass Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

• VAR takes center stage in dramatic Newcastle-Brighton showdown.

• Top-five battle intensifies with Chelsea and Newcastle neck-and-neck in standings.

Chelsea boosted their hopes of a top-five finish and Champions League qualification on Sunday with a confident 3-1 win over a rotated Liverpool side at Stamford Bridge.

This result was pivotal in the Premier League top 5 race 2025 as it pushed the Blues closer to a European spot.

The Blues started strong, opening the scoring in the third minute.

ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!

Cole Palmer, showing his growing influence, found Pedro Neto on the flank.

Neto’s cross was perfectly placed for Enzo Fernandez, who buried it into the bottom corner.

Palmer remained central to Chelsea’s attacking moves.

His pass into the box caused panic in Liverpool’s defense, with Virgil van Dijk’s clearance ricocheting off teammate Jarell Quansah into their own net.

Chelsea’s third came deep into stoppage time. After Moises Caicedo was brought down by Quansah, Palmer calmly slotted home a penalty, his first goal since mid-January.

Although Van Dijk pulled one back for Liverpool with a header in the 84th minute, it wasn’t enough to dent Chelsea’s momentum.

The win sees Chelsea sit fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United, separated only by goal difference.

Also Read: Liverpool Seal Premier League Title 2025 with 5-1 Win Over Tottenham

Brighton and Newcastle Play Out a Dramatic Draw

In another match with major implications for the Premier League top 5 race 2025, Newcastle United drew 1-1 at Brighton.

Yankuba Minteh gave Brighton the lead, but the match turned chaotic in the second half when Newcastle were awarded three penalties, two of which were overturned by VAR.

The first penalty was dismissed as the foul on Anthony Gordon occurred outside the area.

The second saw Joe Willock booked for simulation after initially winning a spot-kick.

The third was upheld, and Alexander Isak converted late in the match to rescue a point.

Despite the draw, Newcastle remain firmly in the Champions League hunt, matching Chelsea on points and staying ahead on goal difference.

For more exciting updates:

📲 Follow Dailyreport.ng on Twitter:

https://X.com/dailyreportng

📲 Check Dailyreport.ng on Facebook:

https://Facebook.com/dailyreportng