Chelsea’s commanding 3-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday delivered a clear message: when their midfield clicks, the Blues are a formidable force. The performance of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia was central to this victory, as they outclassed Liverpool’s depleted midfield and kept Chelsea on track for a UEFA Champions League spot.
Midfield Mastery: The Blueprint to Chelsea’s Resurgence
After two seasons of inconsistency and injuries, Chelsea finally saw the benefits of their heavy midfield investment. Moisés Caicedo (£115m), Enzo Fernández (£106.8m), and Romeo Lavia (£58m) formed a cohesive, dynamic unit that dictated the game.
Manager Enzo Maresca made a bold tactical move by placing Caicedo at right back once again, allowing Fernández and Lavia to dominate the center. The result? One of Chelsea’s most composed performances of the season.
Early Statement: Enzo Fernández Opens the Scoring
Chelsea wasted no time asserting dominance. Just 3 minutes into the match, Enzo Fernández collected a low cross from Pedro Neto, shifted onto his right foot, and coolly finished past Alisson Becker. It marked Fernández’s 20th goal involvement of the season — a sign of his growing influence.
The Argentine midfielder has steadily rebuilt his reputation this season with consistent, high-quality displays, and his early goal was both a confidence booster and a tone-setter for the team.
Lavia’s Presence Felt at Last
Romeo Lavia, limited by injury to only ten Premier League starts in two seasons, finally showed what Chelsea had been missing. Strong in duels, calm in possession, and positionally sharp, Lavia brought structure to the midfield and balance to Chelsea’s formation.
“You can see that we are a better team with Romeo,” Maresca said. “He has been injured most of the season, but today he showed again how important he is.”
Liverpool’s Midfield Exposed
With Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai absent from the starting XI, Liverpool looked lightweight in midfield. Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott struggled to match Chelsea’s intensity. Even with their recent league title secured, Liverpool’s vulnerabilities in the middle were clear.
Manager Arne Slot, while supportive of his team, acknowledged that they “missed a few percentages to get that result,” subtly pointing to the midfield gap.
Own Goal Extends Chelsea’s Lead
Chelsea’s second goal came from a defensive error in the 56th minute. Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Jarell Quansah and flew past Alisson into Liverpool’s net — a fortunate but deserved reward for Chelsea’s pressure.
Liverpool Fight Back but Chelsea Stay Composed
Liverpool finally found a response in the 85th minute, when Virgil van Dijk scored from a powerful header off an Alexis Mac Allister corner, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
Chelsea looked to shore things up, bringing on Reece James and pushing Caicedo into midfield. The Ecuadorian midfielder, full of energy even late in the game, made a surging run into the box where he was brought down by Quansah, winning a crucial penalty.
Cole Palmer Seals the Victory in 96th Minute
Cole Palmer, who had earlier struck the post and been influential throughout, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 96th minute, making it Chelsea 3 – 1 Liverpool. The goal not only ended his 13-game goal drought but also confirmed Chelsea’s dominance in a high-stakes fixture.
Palmer was Chelsea’s creative engine in the match:
- 5 shots
- 4 chances created
- 8 touches in Liverpool’s box (joint-most for Chelsea)
After the match, Palmer praised his teammate Caicedo, saying, “When you have got [Caicedo] in front of you, it’s a dream. He’s been our best player this season — wins the ball back, works hard, humble — everyone loves him.”
Caicedo: The Relentless Midfield Machine
Whether deployed at right back or in central midfield, Moisés Caicedo continues to prove his value. His tireless energy, defensive coverage, and ability to read the game made him a standout yet again. His involvement in the final goal — earning the penalty — showed exactly why Chelsea broke the British transfer record for him.
Champions League Qualification Within Reach
With key fixtures ahead against Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest, Chelsea still have work to do. However, if their midfield trio of Fernández, Caicedo, and Lavia can maintain fitness and form, a Champions League finish is not just possible — it’s realistic.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Victory at the Right Time
Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool wasn’t just a win — it was a showcase of what this team can become when its midfield functions as intended. The long-awaited cohesion between Caicedo, Fernández, and Lavia may have come late in the season, but it could still define Chelsea’s campaign.
With European football and domestic pride on the line, this performance sets a new benchmark. And if Palmer, Caicedo, and company continue like this, the Blues might just finish the season with silverware — and a place among Europe’s elite.
