London:
Chelsea moved to the top four of the Premier League with an unfortunate 4-0 demolition of Southampton, but hopes for Aston Villa in Champions League football next season have dipped after a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
After three consecutive defeats, Chelsea had a severe need for a response to the saint at the bottom of the table, who was due to return immediately to the championship.
The Bruce was officially distributed with three first-half goals through Christopher Nukank, Pedro Neto and Levi Colwill, winning the league for just his third time.
Before the kickoff at Stamford Bridge, a small band of Chelsea fans gathered to protest the club’s owners over their complaints about their club’s form and ticket prices.
As the action begins, it was a much-needed and comfortable night for Enzo Maresca’s men, hoping that the Italians can restore confidence among his team.
Nkunku raised the season tally to 14, but only three of them came to the Premier League as they had to reserve against injured Nicholas Jackson.
The French bent over the corner of the back post, then teeed the neto and immediately blew it into the house.
Colwill headed for a Neto free kick and made the point safe before the break.
Mark Kukulera concluded the score with a gentle finish from the cross of teenager Tyrique George.
“We needed it, the fans needed it and the club needed it, so we’re happy,” Maresca said.
“The priority is to bring this club to where this club is supposed to be – the Champions League. It’s like this until the end of the season. We need to go up and down and be ready.”
The victory put Chelsea in fourth place, two points ahead of Manchester City. A top five finish will be enough for next season’s Champions League location, thanks to the strong performances of the English club in European competition this season.
The Eagles are rising sharply
Villa rejuvenated hopes for two consecutive seasons in the European elite competition after beating Chelsea on Saturday.
However, Unai Emery’s men only won one of their final seven league games after their surrender at Selhurst Park.
“It’s difficult to try and explain everything after today, after a loss,” Emery said.
“We need to go ahead and motivate the competition, balancing in the FA Cup and the Premier League, the Champions League.”
Ismaila Sarr’s first half opening game was cancelled by Morgan Rogers early in the second term.
Jean-Philippe Mateta quickly restored the benefits of the palace before Sarle and Eddie Nketier maintained their excellent form for the Eagles.
Oliver Glasner’s team won seven of their last nine games, finishing 10th in 12th, just six points behind Villa.
Brighton won the South Coast Club battle with European football ambitions via Bournemouth 2-1 next season.
Joao Pedro scored a penalty in 12 minutes, giving the Seagulls the lead.
A mysterious strike from Justin Kruivart was leveled for Cherry, but the winner of Danny Welbeck moved the side level with points.
Bournemouth is eighth and sits seventh in goal difference with Brighton, but is now one point behind the fifth-placed city.
The Wolves missed the opportunity to avoid further relegation zone after a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.
In both half-starting, we saw the visitors take the points when Ryan Sesegnon was hit in the first minute and Rodrigo Muniz scored the winner two minutes later in the second period.
The wolves remain above the bottom three points.
League leader Liverpool can take another step towards their second title 35 years after hosting Newcastle on Wednesday.
The second faces third as Arsenal visits Nottingham Forest and Tottenham visits Host City.