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Liverpool’s trip to Stamford Bridge came just a week after they clinched their 20th league title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham.

With the title secured, manager Arne Slot made six changes to the starting lineup, giving opportunities to squad players.

However, the rotated side struggled against a motivated Chelsea team.

Chelsea took an early lead in the third minute when Enzo Fernandez finished off a move involving Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto .

In the second half, a miscommunication in Liverpool’s defense led to a Jarell Quansah own goal, doubling Chelsea’s advantage.

Virgil van Dijk pulled one back for Liverpool in the 85th minute, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Cole Palmer converted a penalty in stoppage time after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo .

Despite having 65% possession, Liverpool managed only 1.17 expected goals (xG) compared to Chelsea’s 2.91 .

The defeat highlighted the challenges of squad rotation, even for newly crowned champions.

Amid the disappointment of the loss, there was a personal milestone for Federico Chiesa.

The Italian winger, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024, made his fifth Premier League appearance of the season against Chelsea.

This appearance meets the league’s requirement for a winner’s medal.

Chiesa’s debut season at Liverpool has been challenging.

Injuries and stiff competition for places limited his opportunities.

Before the Chelsea match, he had made only four league appearances.

His limited playing time had raised concerns about his eligibility for a medal.

However, with this fifth appearance, Chiesa has officially earned his place among the title winners.

This milestone is a testament to his dedication and the club’s recognition of every squad member’s contribution to their successful campaign.

As Liverpool looks ahead, Chiesa’s determination and commitment serve as an example of the depth and resilience within the squad.

His journey underscores the importance of every player’s role in achieving collective success.

Read more: Manchester United enter race for £60m-rated Liverpool target

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