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 a direct return to the Championship.
The Blues duly delivered with three first-half objectives 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 type and discontent over ticket costs.
As soon as the motion bought 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 typically needed to play reserve to the injured Nicolas Jackson.
The Frenchman stooped to move in a nook on the again put up earlier than teeing up Neto to blast house 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 peaceful end from teenager Tyrique George’s cross.
Victory takes Chelsea two factors above Manchester Metropolis into fourth.
Because of English golf equipment’ sturdy efficiency in European competitors this season, a top-five end is more likely 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 gained 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 shortly restored Palace’s benefit earlier than Sarr and Eddie Nketiah maintained the Eagles fantastic type.
Oliver Glasner’s facet have gained seven of their final 9 video games to rise to twelfth, simply six factors behind Villa in tenth.
Brighton gained the battle of the south coast golf equipment with ambitions of European soccer subsequent season, over Bournemouth 2-1.
Joao Pedro gained and transformed a penalty on 12 minutes to present the Seagulls the lead.
A surprise strike from Justin Kluivert levelled for the Cherries, however Danny Welbeck’s winner moved the perimeters stage on factors.
Bournemouth sit seventh on purpose distinction with Brighton in eighth, however now only one level behind fifth-placed Metropolis.
Wolves missed the possibility to tug additional away from the relegation zone after a 2-1 house 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 bought 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 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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