Chelsea failed to capitalize on another slip by Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification on Saturday, falling to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Everton. The result leaves the London club outside the top five positions.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Liverpool suffered a 2-1 loss at Brighton. This marked the 10th defeat in what has been a disappointing title defence for the Merseyside club.
The defeat for Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has revitalised the hopes of several pursuing clubs. Everton, Brentford, and Fulham are now within striking distance of the European spots, with Fulham securing a 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Struggles for the defending champions
Liverpool entered their match following a midweek success in Europe, having reached the Champions League quarter-finals. However, they were outmatched by a determined Brighton side led by Fabian Hurzeler.
Forward Danny Welbeck netted twice for the hosts, while Milos Kerkez provided the lone goal for the visitors. Manager Arne Slot attributed the loss to significant injury concerns and a demanding schedule.
The Dutchman was forced to play without Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah, while top-scorer Hugo Ekitike was withdrawn early due to injury. Liverpool have now secured only one point from their last nine available in the league.
Slot admitted that the loss is particularly painful given the current league standings. While the club remains active in the FA Cup and Champions League, they face difficult quarter-final fixtures against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Crisis at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s collapse against Everton marked their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions. This poor run presents a significant challenge for coach Liam Rosenior as he attempts to stabilize the team’s season.
Despite having the opportunity to move within four points of Manchester United, the squad was outworked by David Moyes’s side. Goals from Beto and a curling effort from Iliman Ndiaye secured the win for Everton, moving them within three points of Liverpool.
Rosenior, who took over from Enzo Maresca in January, acknowledged the negative atmosphere surrounding the club’s recent performances. He suggested the upcoming international break would be vital for the squad to re-energise.
The team is currently reeling from a heavy aggregate defeat to PSG in Europe, leaving the FA Cup as their primary remaining target for the campaign.
Emotional milestone at Craven Cottage
In other action, Brentford played out a 0-0 draw at Leeds to stay ahead of Everton on goal difference. The point moved Leeds four points clear of the relegation zone, though upcoming fixtures for West Ham and Nottingham Forest could change the outlook.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham’s Raul Jimenez provided the day’s most emotional moment. The forward scored an added-time penalty in the 3-1 win over Burnley, marking his first goal since the death of his father earlier this month.
Jimenez celebrated by raising his arms to the sky, maintaining a perfect career record of 14 successful penalties in the English top flight. Earlier goals from Josh King and Harry Wilson had sparked the Fulham comeback.
