Chelsea vs Liverpool player ratings with Enzo Fernandez masterclass and three 9/10s

Chelsea took full advantage of Liverpool's Premier League title hangover as they won 3-1 in a brilliant performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. The result is a massive boost to their hopes of finishing in the top five this season.

before a calamitous piece of defending from Liverpool saw Virgil van Dijk clear the ball into teammate Jarrell Quansah for an own goal. Chelsea were good value for the three points regardless and showed why there is now cautious optimism heading into the final three matches.

Perhaps buoyed by Newcastle United's draw at Brighton earlier in the day - a result that was read out before the game to cheers from the Stamford Bridge crowd, Chelsea started quickly.

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The energy flowed throughout a positive performance that threatened to be nervous at the end after Virgil van Dijk's late header halved the deficit. Cole Palmer ended his long wait for a goal with a penalty to wrap things up in stoppage time.

Here, football.london gives a full rundown of all the players and how they got on.

Robert Sanchez - Had little to do even when Liverpool put their foot on the ball for a while. Held onto a Gakpo shot and cut out Salah's early cross. Didn't show any signs of nerves when on the ball either. Could do nothing about Van Dijk's header. 7

Moises Caicedo - Once again entirely reliable for Chelsea even when forced to defend at right-back. Cody Gakpo gave him a challenge but only one that Caicedo was more than up to. 7

Trevoh Chalobah - Continues to impress in a backline starting to look more and more settled. Brilliant slide to stop Endo from shooting in the first half and then cleared through Gakpo moments later. Headed and cleared away another two crosses in quick succession shortly after which summed up his display.

Made another big tackle to deny Jones after half-time, and a great intervention to prevent Darwin Nunez getting a shot away. A firm fan favourite and it's easy to see why. 8

Levi Colwill - Aggressive when following Diogo Jota further up the field and doubled up on Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold well. Found his calmness in defence having missed it last weekend. 8

Marc Cucurella - Up against Liverpool's most dangerous weapons in Salah and Alexander-Arnold, he was always snapping about and did a good job of keeping them quiet. 7

Romeo Lavia - Sat down Harvey Elliot to create room in the middle for the first goal before firing in a line-breaking pass that sums up his importance and quality for the team. Soon got the better of Elliot again, storming in to win the ball in midfield. The key to balancing this Chelsea side and was exceptional here. 9

Enzo Fernandez - Crashing the box at the right time yet again and keeps up his form in 2025 with a neat finish. Nipped around well to get the ball in front of the defence and played through or over Liverpool. 9

Noni Madueke - On the left again and constantly looking to run at Alexander-Arnold, exploiting Salah's lack of tracking. Worked back well himself to link with Cucurella and Fernandez. 7

Cole Palmer - Found a lot of good positions but still can't find his golden touch. Can maybe claim an assist for the own goal after getting past Alexander-Arnold with trickery and strength. Missplaced the final pass on several occasions or took too long to decide what to do when given time, though.

Tracked well to nick the ball from Curtis Jones in the first half and found Nicolas Jackson with a delightful pass but can't seem to bring the magic himself. Hit the post after a stunning run down the left against Conor Bradley. Deserved his goal at the end. 9

Pedro Neto - Another lively display. Assisted Fernandez's goal after doing well to get to the line for the pull-back and always on hand to help Caicedo going the other way. 7

Nicolas Jackson - One of his mixed games with some nice touches but no bite. Missplaced his first pass of the day early on after trapping the ball close to his body which is about right for his overall performance.

Couldn't get a shot away when found early in the second half by Neto. Used his strength well to turn onto his left foot but slipped at the crucial moment. A frustrating afternoon but his effort is always applauded. 5

Substitutes

Jadon Sancho (On for Jackson, 71') - Should have scored late on. Had a few nice touches. N/A

Malo Gusto (On for Lavia, 78') - Not on for long enough. N/A

Reece James (On for Fernandez, 88') - N/A