Only a match next weekend at Stamford Bridge separates Chelsea from their first Premier League title in three years, and if things go wrong for Manchester United later Sunday, the Blues may be champions before facing Wigan on the season’s last day.
Chelsea Downs Liverpool, Has Two Hands On The Title
That’s because Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday puts the club four points clear of second place United, with their latter still to play at Sunderland. If they lose that, United’s three year reign atop the Premiership will be over. Even with a win, Manchester United’s title aspirations are on life support.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, with the help of Steven Gerrard, put the Blues ahead in the 33rd minute, the striker intercepting a Gerrard back pass intended for goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Ivorian easily moved around Reina for the opening goal, putting a striker-less Liverpool in a position to chase without an injured Fernando Torres and playing a 4-5-1 that featured Dirk Kuyt at forward.
Rafa Benítez was quick to bring Ryan Babel on, but Liverpool was never able to threaten Chelsea, putting only one shot on goal in the match despite holding a significant advantage in possession.
When Frank Lampard slotted home his 21st goal of the season, finishing a Nicolas Anelka cross, giving Chelsea their final margin of victory.
The loss mathematically eliminated Liverpool from the race for fourth place, making the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League tournament the first time since 2003-04 that Liverpool will not compete for the continental crown.
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