Liverpool claims Premier League title after Chelsea sinks Man City

Australia World

Manchester City has lost to Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, confirming Liverpool as champions for the first time in the Premier League era.

City went into the game trailing Liverpool by 23 points, with a maximum 24 points available from their last eight matches.

Christian Pulisic gave Chelsea the lead after 36 minutes, before Belgian star Kevin de Bruyne answered 10 minutes after half-time.

But a penalty with less than 20 minutes left ensured the title was heading to Merseyside.

It is the first time Liverpool has won the league title since 1990 when the top tier was called the First Division.

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City went into the game without striker Sergio Aguero, who had knee surgery after injuring himself against Arsenal at the weekend.

City had most of the possession in the first half, but could not make it count.

With just under 10 minutes to go to half-time, City had a free-kick at the Chelsea end.

But Pep Guardiola’s men gave the ball away, and Ilkay Gundogan and Benjamin Mendy had a mix-up at the back, leaving American Christian Pulisic to steal the ball.

He raced away, with Mendy missing his challenge — through one-on-one with keeper Ederson, Pulisic balanced up near the penalty area and curled the ball clinically into the bottom corner.

It was 1-0 at half-time, meaning Manchester City needed to score twice to keep the title race alive.

A Premier League player curls a free-kick with his right foot as the wall waits to defend it.

A Premier League player curls a free-kick with his right foot as the wall waits to defend it.

A stunning free-kick from Kevin de Bruyne (L) gave Manchester City hope at Stamford Bridge.(AP/Pool: Julian Finney)

City held their nerve, and after 55 minutes won a free-kick just outside the penalty area.

De Bruyne stepped up and whipped the ball over the wall, and it hit the top left corner of the net.

In a frantic second half, both teams had their chances, but when Fernandinho handled the ball attempting to clear it, he was sent off and Willian converted the penalty to all but end City’s hopes.

Reds celebrate after dominant season

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Jurgen Klopp’s men have dominated the Premier League season, losing only once and drawing twice in 31 games.

It is the first time any side has clinched the title with seven games of the 38-game season still to play.

They lead the table on 86 points after a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at Anfield.

If the visitors had taken the three points, the title could have been decided next week when Liverpool travels to Manchester to play City.

But now the Reds have earned the 19th league title in the club’s history, one behind the record held by Manchester United.

It gives Liverpool a measure of revenge for last season, when the Reds finished on 97 points, one behind City as title winners.