The Blues, who went into their game with Stoke City seeking to widen the distance between them and second-placed defending champions, Manchester City, did just that when they edged the visitors 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Defending champions City did Jose Mourinho’s side a favour of their own on Monday, when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. That loss saw Manuel Pellegrini’s side surrender their second position to Arsenal and Manchester United, who are now second and third respectively.
With nine games remaining for most of the teams, Chelsea now have their fate in their own hands, but the 27 points at stake can still make a huge difference going to the finish line. The Blues however, still have a game in hand and should they win it, will have an extra three points to add to their cushion.
City will now have to pick themselves up in another tough tie against bitter cross-town rivals, United on Sunday, both sides still focused on fighting to the last end in the league race. United go into the tie with their tails up, following reverberating wins over long-time rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa. Louis van Gaal will therefore have less pressure on his shoulders, as the win against City would certify that his transformation of the side he picked in tatters from David Moyes at the start of the season is nearing completion.
Arsenal, who thrashed Liverpool 4-1 on Saturday to jump to second position, are next up against lowly Burnley away from home, with little threat to the Gunners’ position, at least for a week, while Liverpool travel to Hull City two weeks from now hoping not only to reverse their two losses on the trot against United and Arsenal, but also to begin their climb back to the top four.
The Reds, who have fallen a massive seven points off reach of the last top four position, are now tied on points with Tottenham Hotspur and a win would give them some power of good as they try to shake-off their closest rivals, who have a seemingly easy home tie against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Other Fixtures
Saturday: Swansea City vs Everton; Southampton vs Hull City; West Bromwich Albion vs Leicester City; West Ham United vs Stoke City; Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
Sunday: Queens Park Rangers vs Chelsea
Post published in: Football