Chelsea, on the verge of qualifying for Europe; Manchester United keep their European dreams alive

Chelsea have now put themselves in the driving range for European football next season after winning 2-1 against Brighton. Goals from Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku and despite a late scare from Danny Welbeck, Chelsea came away with all three points.

However, England International Reece James was shown a red card on 88 minutes.

This result puts Chelsea in 6th with 60 points but have a substantially better goal difference therefore should be returning playing European football next season.

The first real chance of the game came in the 4th minute when Noni Madueke drilled a low shot towards the right hand post but was brilliantly stopped by Brighton Goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.

However, the game opened up when Chelsea thought they had a penalty after Facundo Buonanotte gave it away but VAR said ‘no’ and the penalty was not given.

It took until the 34th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when Cole Palmer headed the ball brilliantly past Verbruggen to give Chelsea a priceless lead.

In added time, Chelsea thought they doubled their lead but Nicolas Jackson’s strike was flagged offside.

The second goal of the game came in the 64th minute, when Malo Gusto feeded a ball through to Christopher Nkunku who picked up the pass inside the box and quickly sent it into the bottom left corner. 

However, the nails were starting to get bitten for Chelsea fans as Reece James was shown a straight red card after an over the top tackle on 88 minutes.

Danny Welbeck pulled a goal back for Brighton right at the end but Chelsea held on and ensured they came away with all three points.

Manchester United just about keep their European dreams alive as they beat Newcastle 3-2 to go level on points with the Geordies, going into the final day. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund meant they finally ended their miserable run of form

.

Erik Ten Haag’s men still have the FA Cup Final to look forward to and also secure a European spot with a triumph in that competition but they will want to get it done in the Premier League.

The first chance of the game came in the 10th minute, when Casemiro found space in the box but his attempted overhead kick flew over the bar.

On 27 minutes, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho linked up brilliantly but the Argentine’s shot was well saved by Dubravka.

The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute, Diallo’s passed travelled through everyone before Kobbie Mainoo found himself in acres of space to fire home and give Manchester United the lead.

Newcastle responded well though as Antony Gordon thought he won himself a penalty but VAR said ‘no’. Shortly after, Dan Burn’s header was cleared off the line by Casemiro.

Eddie Howe’s men started the second half off well when Anthony Gordon met a perfect cross from Jacob Murphy to level up the scoring.

On 53 minutes, Alexander Isak was played in one on one with Onana but Sofyan Amrabat got back tremendously well to deflect the shot onto the crossbar.

Manchester United restored the lead on 57 minutes when Amad Diallo found space on the edge of the box to half volley the ball past Dubravka.

Summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund gave the red devils some comfort when he combined with Bruno Fernandes and the Dane fired brilliantly into the bottom left corner to give Manchester United a 3-1 lead.

However, a late push from Newcastle started when Lewis Hall slammed a shot past Onana from outside the box to give Newcastle a slender chance of getting something from the game.

Manchester United held on and ensured they returned to winning ways.