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PIX: Liverpool win Premier League title after City lose to Chelsea

June 26, 2020 03:04 IST

Liverpool were last champions of England when they won the old First Division title in 1989-90.

IMAGE: Liverpool fans celebrate winning the English Premier League title following Chelsea's victory against Manchester City on Thursday. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Liverpool’s 30-year English title drought ended on Thursday as they were confirmed as English Premier League champions courtesy of second-placed Manchester City’s 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

A superb solo goal by Christian Pulisic and a Willian penalty gave Chelsea a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, a result that handed Liverpool the Premier League title.

IMAGE: Chelsea's players celebrate after Christian Pulisic scored the first goal against Manchester City. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Pulisic exploited a communication breakdown between Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Guendogan after a City set piece, running from the halfway line before confidently slotting the ball past Ederson to open the scoring in the 36th minute.

Kevin De Bruyne put City level with a brilliant dipping free kick ten minutes into the second half, but Chelsea took the lead again through Willian’s 78th-minute penalty after Fernandinho was sent off for handling the ball on the goal-line.

IMAGE: Christian Pulisic scores the opening goal for Chelsea in the 36th minute. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

The result leaves City on 63 points, 23 behind Liverpool with only seven games left to play, giving the Reds their first title of the Premier League era. Chelsea remain fourth on 54 points, five ahead of Manchester United.

Liverpool were last champions of England when they won the old First Division title in 1989-90 after which a decline in fortunes saw Manchester United and Arsenal, then Chelsea and Manchester City seize power.

IMAGE: Manchester City's Fernandinho blocks the ball with his hand resulting in a red card and a penalty for Chelsea, which was converted by Willian. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

They eclipsed the record jointly held by Manchester United (2000-01) and Manchester City (2017-18), who sealed their respective titles with five games left.

Had it not been for the unprecedented stoppage Liverpool were on course to smash the record for the earliest league title. Instead they are now the first team to lift the coveted trophy as late as June.

Source: REUTERS
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