Liverpool booed in draw with Chelsea, Bournemouth dream of Europe

LONDON, May 9 : Liverpool failed to wrap up Champions League qualification as they were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Chelsea on Saturday, with Bournemouth moving into sixth place with a 1-0 victory at Fulham in which both sides ended with 10 men.

Brighton & Hove Albion also boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe as they beat bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0. Manchester United, who are already assured of a top-five finish, were held to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland.

Enzo Fernandez's free kick secured a point for Chelsea to end the club's six-game losing run in the Premier League and earn caretaker manager Calum MacFarlane a first point in charge.

Liverpool had taken an early lead with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box by Ryan Gravenberch.

Arne Slot's Liverpool remained fourth in the table with 59 points from 36 games although they could drop to fifth if Aston Villa, who have 58 points, win at relegated Burnley on Sunday.

Liverpool's fans vented their frustration at Anfield with derision greeting Slot's decision to substitute teenager Rio Ngumoha while there were boos at the final whistle.

"There were a lot that didn't agree with the change, which is completely understandable," Slot told TNT Sports. "He was having problems with his muscles and, when I asked him, he said he was not sure he could continue.

"I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player. So often in football people don't know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions."

With sixth place potentially coming with a Champions League berth, should Villa win the Europa League final and finish fifth in the table, Bournemouth are still in the hunt for a dream debut in Europe's elite club competition.

RAYAN STRIKES FOR