Premier League: Giroud and Pulisic down Villa, as Everton hold Liverpool

Premier League: Giroud and Pulisic down Villa, as Everton hold Liverpool

• Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic on target as Chelsea come from a goal down
• Everton and Liverpool play out to a barren draw
• Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Frank Lampard’s men come from a goal down to secure vital three points at Villa Park.

Frank Lampard went into his 100^th match in charge as Manager knowing that a win would open a five point margin over fifth placed Manchester United in the race for top-four finish.

Kortney Hause opened the scoring for the Villains two minutes before the halftime break when he gleefully rifled a low shot from a rebound.

In the second half, Lampard brought in Christian Pulisic and Ross Barkley and the former repaid the manager’s faith grabbing an equalizer five minutes after getting on the pitch.

The American slammed a half-volley past Villa’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland having arrived late to meet a deep cross from Cesar Azpilicueta.

Azpilicueta then provided the ball for Chelsea’s winner when he crossed to Olivier Giroud who gathered the ball with his back to goal, spin and finish.

It was the Frenchman’s eighth goal against Villa having scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances against them.

Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Liverpool played out a barren draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby.

There was a moment of chuckle as the match began when Sadio Mane sped off into the opposing half while the rest of the teams took a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Movement.

The two sides came into the match knowing that a win for the Merseyside-Red would all but seal the Premier League title.

Instead, it was Everton that looked the better side in the clash.

Liverpool looked a shadow of the side that had swept pass teams in the first half the season as they created far less chances and only forced a big save from Jordan Pickford when he parried a Fabinho free-kick in added time.

Liverpool’s coronation as Premier League Champions will have to wait if Manchester City beat Burnley at home on Monday night then a win for Jurgen Klopp’s side over Crystal Palace on Wednesday will still not be enough.

The focus will then turn to Liverpool’s next game – a trip to Manchester City eight days later.