Five key highlights from Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Manchester City

Thanks to Chelsea, Liverpool are the champions of the Premier League!

Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Stamford Bridge, but its Liverpool who burst into celebrations as they are officially crowned champions for the season.

The defeat left the Skyblues 23 points adrift of the Reds with only seven games remaining, which means the latter is mathematically unassailable. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for the Blues with an amazing solo effort, before Kevin De Bruyne restored parity after the break with a phenomenal freekick.

The second stanza was edgy and end-to-end, kind of what’s expected from games like this, and after a penalty-box melee which saw Fernandinho sent off for a handball, Willian struck the winner from the spot.

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Here are the key moments from the game:

Pulisic’s wonderful solo goal

After seven months without a goal (he had missed some games due to injuries too), Christian Pulisic now has struck twice in four days. He was on target against the Skyblues last night, and boy that was some goal. A comical mix up between Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan allowed the winger to pounce on a loose ball as he then sped down the left before sliding it into the bottom corner. Full marks to him for his vigilance, speed, and finishing. Captain America alright.

De Bruyne’s sublime freekick

The Belgian is one of the most skilled players out there, but the subtlety with which he executed that freekick demonstrated why he’s on a tier above most players. It was a tricky angle, but De Bruyne being De Bruyne, he expertly lifted a belter into the far corner that left Kepa Arrizabalaga with no chance. How about them apples! The 28-year old has been in a league of his own this season and a strong favourite for the ‘player of the year’ award. It’s a shame that his best year couldn’t translate into Premier League success, thanks to Manchester City’s inconsistency.

Walker’s terrific goal-line clearance

Back in 2013 when Spain contested Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup finals, David Luiz produced an incredible goal-line clearance to deny Pedro. Last night’s save from Kyle Walker right on the line was reminiscent of the same. Pulisic appeared to have doubled Chelsea’s advantage when he raced clear of Kepa and slide the ball towards the post, but the ex-Spurs defender showed tremendous pace to glide right in and block his effort on the line. Watch it for yourself:

Fernandinho’s red card and Willian’s penalty

If the first half of the game was promising, then the second half totally delivered on that promise. There were a handful of nerve-wracking moments, especially on the City’s end, but this was the best. In another goal-mouth scramble, Abraham and Pulisic’s efforts were kept out by Ederson, but the former’s second stab at goal saw Fernandinho handle the ball for clearance. After a VAR review, he was rightfully sent off and the Blues were given a penalty, which Willian nonchalantly rifled into far post, sending his compatriot the wrong way.

Liverpool’s long-awaited glory

With an emphatic victory, Chelsea consolidated themselves in the Champions League zone. However, the real winners of the night were Liverpool, who sealed the title as they cannot mathematically be caught after City’s defeat. Even though this was a top billing clash, like always, much of the narrative before and during the game surrounded the Reds and their crowning moment, which finally arrived as the full-time whistle blew about five minutes past 10 in the night.

After 30 years of agonizing wait, that elusive trophy comes home to Anfield, at last. Alez alez alez !