Chelsea trip up the champions in hunt for Europe – Football Weekly
May 5, 2025
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Dan Bardell joins the discussion, sharing insights on Chelsea's impressive 3-1 victory over Liverpool that reignites their Champions League hopes. They analyze standout performances, particularly Cole-Palmer’s, and discuss Chelsea's tactical evolution. The conversation dives into the challenges teams face in converting leads into wins and the impact of VAR controversies. They also touch on coaching styles, player emotions, and upcoming matches, all sprinkled with humor and anecdotes from the football world.
Chelsea's decisive 3-1 victory over Liverpool highlighted Cole Palmer's resurgence and the midfield's crucial control in the match.
Arsenal's surprising defeat against Bournemouth emphasized ongoing concerns about their mental resilience and squad decisions ahead of European matches.
Manchester City's continued winning momentum illustrates their ability to secure results through tactical discipline, even when not at their best.
Deep dives
Chelsea's Victory Over Liverpool
Chelsea secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Liverpool, marking only Liverpool's third defeat of the season. Cole Palmer, who had been struggling with form, excelled during the match, scoring a penalty and creating chances throughout. Chelsea's midfield, particularly highlighted by Romeo Lavia's dominance, contributed significantly to their control over the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, appeared lackluster, with a weakened side that struggled to maintain the competitiveness expected from such a high-profile fixture.
Arsenal's Unexpected Defeat
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal suffered a home defeat against Bournemouth despite fielding a strong lineup. The loss highlighted the team's ongoing struggles, particularly with their mental resilience, as they dropped points from a winning position for the tenth time this season. Arteta's decision to start key players ahead of a critical match against PSG raised eyebrows, especially after they could only manage a single goal before letting Bournemouth come back. The defeat not only put a dent in their confidence but also raised concerns about their performance heading into European competition.
Newcastle's Performance Against Brighton
Newcastle played to a 1-1 draw with Brighton, characterized by a contentious penalty decision that underscored the impact of VAR in the match. Despite needing a last-minute penalty to secure a point, Newcastle showed a much-improved performance, particularly in the second half. Brighton struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving their fans questioning whether their season is one of success or disappointment. The match set up a critical upcoming clash between Newcastle and Chelsea with top-five positioning at stake, raising the stakes for both clubs.
Manchester City's Continuing Dominance
Manchester City maintained their winning momentum with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves, thanks to a goal from Kevin De Bruyne. This win extended their unbeaten streak to nine games, showcasing their defensive solidity and tactical prowess. Wolves, despite a strong showing, fell short of converting their opportunities into goals, leaving them to reflect on missed chances. City's ability to grind out results, even while not at their free-flowing best, is a hallmark of champions and strengthens their position in the league.
Brentford's Impressive Win Over Manchester United
Brentford delivered a stunning 4-3 victory over Manchester United in a high-octane match that showcased both teams' attacking prowess. The match was marked by Brentford's effective use of their front three, as they capitalized on United's defensive vulnerabilities. Manchester United, fielding a rotated squad, struggled to maintain control and allowed Brentford to dictate play at crucial moments. This result not only bolstered Brentford's chances for European competition but also raised questions about United's preparations for upcoming fixtures.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson and Dan Bardell as Chelsea secure a vital win over Liverpool in the race for Champions League football next season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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