Palmer influential as Chelsea edge out Newcastle

Cole Palmer was hugely influential as Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. Palmer struck in the 57th minute, taking a touch to get the ball out of his feet before drilling hard and low past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The Blues had gone ahead early after Sven Botman’s poor clearance was pounced on by Palmer, his shot being cleverly steered into the bottom corner by Nicolas Jackson for his second goal in as many league games.

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Van Dijk header sees Liverpool clinch Carabao Cup

Virgil van Dijk’s header deep into extra time gave an under-strength Liverpool a remarkable Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley. Van Dijk had seen a header contentiously ruled out for offside on the hour but there was no reprieve for Chelsea when he glanced home another from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute. Liverpool’s 10th triumph in the competition was achieved without a host of injured star names, including forward trio Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.

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Chelsea blow away Middlesbrough to reach Carabao Cup Final

Chelsea blew away Middlesbrough with a rampant first-half display to record a 6-2 aggregate victory and clinch their place against either Liverpool or Fulham in the Carabao Cup final. Boro stunned the Blues with a 1-0 win at the Riverside Stadium in the first leg but failed to hold on to their lead shipping four goals in the first half.

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Hackney gives Middlesbrough advantage over Chelsea

Chelsea missed a host of chances as Championship side Middlesbrough earned a slender advantage in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at a boisterous Riverside Stadium. Hayden Hackney scored the only goal, opening up his body to slide home an Isaiah Jones cross in the first half. Cole Palmer missed three presentable opportunities as Chelsea failed to score for the sixth time this season.

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McTominay bags brace as United down Chelsea

For the second time this season, Scott McTominay scored twice at Old Trafford to secure a precious victory for Manchester United and ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. The Scotland midfielder’s latest effort against Chelsea was not as thrilling as the two he scored in injury-time to beat Brentford in October.

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