Everton delays Reds title push

LIVERPOOL’S 30-year wait for a top-flight title will take a little longer after a frustrating goalless draw in the 236th Merseyside derby still left it five points short of guaranteeing the English Premier League trophy.

Jurgen Klopp’s championselect dominated on their return to competitive action but managed just three shots on target at Goodison Park, the same number as their hosts.

The stalemate means the Reds’ date with destiny will most likely have to wait until the trip to the Etihad Stadium on July 2, unless second-placed

Manchester City slipped up overnight at home to Burnley.

Chelsea boosted its hopes of Champions League qualification after quick-fire goals from Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud earned a 2-1 comeback success at struggling Aston Villa. Veteran striker Giroud claimed the Blues’ second-half winner at Villa Park with a deflected finish, less than two minutes after substitute Pulisic had levelled.

Beleaguered Villa had been on track to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone following Kortney Hause’s maiden top-flight strike shortly before the break.

Dean Smith’s men remain a single point from safety but have an inferior goal difference to their relegation rivals after their winless league run stretched to six matches.

Chelsea’s first top-flight away victory of 2020, in Frank Lampard’s 100th game as a manager, moves it five points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and to within three points of third-placed Leicester.

Earlier, Sheffield United’s European aspirations were damaged by a resounding 3-0 loss to Newcastle.