City receive title, Chelsea keep CL hope alive

AS MANCHESTER City finally collected the English Premier League trophy yesterday, Chelsea closed in on salvaging UEFA Champions League qualification from a lacklustre title defence and further weakened Liverpool’s grip on a top-four finish.

A resurgent Chelsea sealed a fifth successive victory when Olivier Giroud headed in the only goal against Liverpool, which has only one win in five league games.

It’s an impressive turnaround for Chelsea, which has cut the gap to fourth-place Tottenham from 10 to two points in a month.

The 1-0 win over Liverpool sent Chelsea within three points of Jurgen Klopp’s side, which has neglected its domestic responsibilities while qualifying for a first Champions League final in 11 years.

HOPE FOR CHELSEA

“One month ago, it was impossible to imagine to arrive at the end and fight for a place in the Champions League,” Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. “Now there is the hope because we are getting three points every game (five in a row) and our opponents are dropping points.

“Our future is not in our hands, but we have to try to get three points to put the pressure on the team who stay ahead of us.”

While both Chelsea and Tottenham have two games remaining, Liverpool only has one game left and could be relying on its superior goal difference to secure a place in the Champions League – unless Liverpool beats Real Madrid in the May 26 European final.

Whoever finishes fifth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League alongside Arsenal and Burnley.

Man City, which sealed the title three weeks ago, received the trophy for the third time in six years yesterday but could not produce a performance befitting title celebrations after being held 0-0 by Huddersfield.

The games yesterday took place against the backdrop of an outpouring of concern for the health of former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who had emergency surgery on Saturday for a brain haemorrhage.

“Football aside, get well Fergie,” read a banner being held by Man City fans.

AP Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (left) scores his side’s opening goal during the English Premier League match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium in London yesterday.