Chelsea surged into the Premier League’s top four with a commanding 4-0 victory over a struggling Southampton side at Stamford Bridge. After enduring three consecutive defeats, the Blues rediscovered their spark against the league’s bottom team, securing only their third league win in eleven matches.
The home crowd was electrified as Chelsea dominated from the outset, showcasing a relentless attack that overwhelmed Southampton’s defense. This emphatic win propels Chelsea two points above Manchester City into fourth place. With English clubs performing strongly in European competitions this season, a top-five finish could be enough to secure a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
In contrast, Aston Villa‘s Champions League aspirations took a hit after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite revitalizing their hopes with a victory over Chelsea on Saturday, Unai Emery’s side has now won just one of their last seven league games.
Villa initially took the lead, but Palace roared back with a flurry of goals that left the visitors reeling. The Eagles continue their impressive form, having won seven of their last nine matches to climb to 12th place, just six points behind Villa in 10th.
Elsewhere on the south coast, Brighton edged out Bournemouth 2-1 in a tightly contested match. Both clubs harbor ambitions of European football next season. Despite the setback, Bournemouth sit seventh on goal difference ahead of Brighton and are now just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.
At the lower end of the table, 17th-placed Wolves missed an opportunity to pull further clear of the relegation zone after a 2-1 home defeat against ninth-ranked Fulham.
