Liverpool make Chelsea wait to secure top-four finish after title-party thriller

Liverpool got their Premier League trophy-lift party started on the pitch with a thrilling 5-3 win over Chelsea at Anfield, meaning the Blues’ top-four hopes go to the final day.

A draw would have secured Champions League football next season for Chelsea, but they capitulated in the first half as Liverpool got the party started early through Naby Keita’s stunner (23), Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fine free-kick (38) and Gini Wijnaldum’s volley (43).

Olivier Giroud pulled one back before the break (45+3), but the goals kept coming as Roberto Firmino headed home Alexander-Arnold’s wicked delivery for 4-1 (55), before sub Tammy Abraham reduced the deficit again following fellow sub Christian Pulisic’s brilliant assist (61).

Pulisic was at his best again as he brought Chelsea to within one with a fine turn and shot to make it 4-3 (73), but Liverpool showed their superiority once more as a blistering break ended in sub Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain turning home Andrew Robertson’s centre (85).

Chelsea remain in fourth following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham earlier on Wednesday, and both Chelsea and United need a point in their final game to secure a Champions League spot. Chelsea host Wolves, and Manchester United go to Leicester, who need to win to secure a top-four spot.