Liverpool faced a loss in their first match after becoming Premier League champions as Cole Palmer scored for Chelsea to seal a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge and enhance the Blues’ Champions League hopes.
Enzo Fernandez’s early goal signaled Enzo Maresca’s team's dominance, putting up one of their strongest performances of the season, crucial in the race for the top five. The away fans at the Shed End were in celebratory spirits throughout the game.
Even Jarell Quansah's own-goal in the second half did not dampen Liverpool's title celebrations.
Virgil van Dijk redeemed himself with a header from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner late in the game, and the stadium erupted as Palmer ended his goal drought, converting a penalty in stoppage time after a foul on Moises Caicedo by Quansah.
The win moves Chelsea level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle and three points ahead of Nottingham Forest in sixth.
Arne Slot made six changes from the team that clinched the title against Tottenham, with Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott making their first league starts while Quansah received his third start in defense.
Maresca fielded the same lineup that defeated Everton a week ago and took the lead within three minutes.
Chelsea looked dominant from the start, exploiting gaps in Liverpool's midfield. They had a few close calls, including a shot from Noni Madueke that went wide and a looping cross from Nicolas Jackson that hit the crossbar.
Chelsea extended their lead deservedly after 56 minutes when Palmer set up Madueke, but it was inadvertently turned into an own-goal by Quansah after a deflection off Van Dijk.
Liverpool struggled to find a response, with Darwin Nunez missing a chance from close range and Jadon Sancho being denied by Alisson. Palmer also hit the post with a close effort.
Van Dijk's late goal raised hopes for Liverpool, but Chelsea had the final say with Palmer converting a penalty to secure the win after months of frustration.