Rare loss for Chelsea gives Spurs hope
LIVERPOOL, England — Maybe it won’t be a procession to the English Premier League trophy for Chelsea, after all.
The leader’s 2-1 loss at home to relegation-threatened Crystal Palace on Saturday provided an unexpected twist to a title race that most observers thought was virtually over, with Chelsea holding a 10-point lead and in seemingly unstoppable form.
Chelsea’s advantage is down to seven points after secondplace Tottenham beat Burnley 2-0 for a fourth straight victory.
Chelsea remains the favourite to become English champion for a second time in three years, but it could really get interesting on Wednesday if Antonio Conte’s side slips up again — and there is a good chance as Manchester City is visiting Stamford Bridge.
The schedule for the next month also raises the prospect that the title race could be prolonged longer than many expected, with Chelsea also playing Manchester United away in two weeks’ time.
Spurs’ next three games are against Swansea, Watford, and Bournemouth — all still not clear of relegation trouble.
“It adds a bit more pressure,” Chelsea captain Gary Cahill said.
It was only a fourth league loss this season for Chelsea, and first since the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Jan. 4. Chelsea had won its previous 10 home league matches stretching back to October.
Eric Dier and substitute Son Heung-min scored second-half goals for Tottenham, which earned a fourth straight league win. “We have to be there if Chelsea fail,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said, “and we are there.”
West Brom was the eighth side to leave Old Trafford with a draw this campaign, joining the likes of Hull, Stoke, and Burnley in defying injury-hit Manchester United in a game that ended 0-0.
It’s now 13 Merseyside derbies in the league without defeat for Liverpool dating to October 2010. Saturday’s win at home to city rival Everton was inspired by Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who scored one goal after a weaving run and also set up substitute Divock Origi for the clinching third.
Winger Sadio Mane scored the opening goal for Liverpool in the eighth minute but limped off with a left leg injury in the 57th after landing awkwardly in a challenge.