Cole Palmer ended his 18-game goal drought in style as Chelsea boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 win over newly crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The England international was outstanding throughout the game and sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty, capping off a strong personal performance.

Chelsea made a fast start, taking the lead in the third minute when Enzo Fernandez finished off a brilliant team move involving Palmer and Pedro Neto.

Liverpool had more possession for long stretches but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Just before halftime, Neto nearly doubled Chelsea’s lead with a powerful low shot that hit the side netting.

Chelsea extended their lead in the 56th minute after a defensive mix-up. Virgil van Dijk’s clearance hit teammate Jarell Quansah and deflected into the net for an own goal, following another smart play from Palmer.

Van Dijk later pulled one back for Liverpool with a late header, but Chelsea secured all three points when Quansah gave away a penalty in stoppage time, which Palmer confidently converted.

The win keeps Chelsea in fifth place, now level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle and just four points behind second-placed Arsenal, with three matches remaining.

Up next, Chelsea host Djurgarden in the UEFA Conference League semifinal on Thursday, before facing Newcastle in a crucial league clash on Sunday.

Liverpool, who have now suffered only their third league defeat of the season, will host Arsenal at Anfield in their next match.