Chelsea win, Liverpool draw and Spurs crash in dramatic Premier League afternoon
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were all in action on a gripping Premier League afternoon that delivered late drama, missed chances and major talking points.
Chelsea cruise into Europa Conference League final with composed win over Djurgarden
A much-rotated Blues side, featuring ten changes from the weekend win over Premier League champions Liverpool and including a first senior start for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, barely broke stride at Stamford Bridge as they saw out a 1-0 second-leg win on Thursday night.
Enzo Maresca's men, already holding a comfortable 4-1 advantage from the first leg in Sweden, wrapped up the tie with a first-half strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder calmly slotted home his fourth goal of the tournament after a slick through ball from 19-year-old Tyrique George.
Though Djurgarden's vocal travelling supporters gave the Swedish side a spirited backing throughout, there was little they could do to lift their side against an assured Chelsea display. Despite a handful of second-half saves required from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen - including a sharp stop to deny Daniel Stensson - the Blues never looked in danger.
The match also provided a stage for several of Chelsea's highly-rated youngsters. Walsh, now the club's youngest debutant in nearly six decades, impressed in midfield, while fellow teenagers Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi were introduced in the second half to gain valuable minutes on the European stage.
Chelsea now turn their attention to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, where they'll face Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis. The Spanish side edged out Fiorentina 4-3 after extra time in the other semi-final.
It will mark the Blues' eighth major European final, and their first since lifting the Champions League trophy in 2021. For Maresca, it's a golden opportunity to deliver silverware in his debut season - and the first of the post-Abramovich era.
Before their European date with destiny, however, Chelsea have domestic business to attend to. With a Champions League place for next season still on the line, they'll travel to face top-four rivals Newcastle United this Sunday - where rested stars like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson are expected to return in a crucial clash.
Liam Rosenior: Chelsea need a top performance to handle Brentford threat
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior will assess a familiar face when his side host Brentford at Stamford Bridge today, with the visitors arriving as one of the Premier League's surprise packages.
Oliver Glasner to step down as Crystal Palace manager at end of the season
Crystal Palace are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian confirming he will step down as manager when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a transformative but turbulent era at Selhurst Park.
Liam Rosenior demands more from Josh Acheampong after impressive Chelsea start
Liam Rosenior has made it clear he plans to keep demanding more from Josh Acheampong after the teenager impressed in his first two games under the new Chelsea head coach.