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EPL 2020: Liverpool crowned champions after Chelsea defeat Manchester City 2-1

The Reds have won their first title in 30 years after Chelsea stunned defending champion Manchester City on Friday morning.

Liverpool fans show their support. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Liverpool fans show their support. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Liverpool has won its first English Premier League title in 30 years as Chelsea strengthened its hopes of a UEFA Champions League spot with a 2-1 win against Manchester City.

City needed to defeat the Blues to keep the championship race alive but finished with 10 men after Fernandinho was sent off for a handball in the 77th minute in a moment that decided the match.

City was dominant early against the Blues before Christian Pulisic stunned the defending champions in the 36th minute.

Pulisic took possession about 60m from goal but nipped past Benjamin Mendy before finding himself one-on-one with keeper Ederson.

“This was a stunning goal. A lot of people might not have scored from this position,” Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier said. “Mendy will be disappointed – he has enough pace about him to show Pulisic away from goal but he didn’t.”

Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring the opening goal. (Photo by Julian Finney/AFP)
Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring the opening goal. (Photo by Julian Finney/AFP)

The Blues entered halftime with a 1-0 lead but Kevin De Bruyne gave City hope when he nailed a 30-yard free kick in the 55th minute.

“Absolutely superb technique,” Le Tissier said. “He dips the ball up and over the wall. It was a fantastic goal. City back in the game.”

It was 1-1 with 30 minutes to play before a six-yard box scramble ended with Fernandinho handling the ball.

Willian stuck the penalty in the top left corner to give the Blues a 2-1 lead and put them two points clear of Manchester United in fourth spot with a game in hand.

Originally published as EPL 2020: Liverpool crowned champions after Chelsea defeat Manchester City 2-1

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/premier-league/epl-2020-liverpool-can-taste-title-as-chelsea-leads-manchester-city/news-story/d1c9cb79ff2a4caa2f9785b0f194a949