Already assured of a ticket to the Champions League, since Arsenal's defeat at Newcastle (2-0) on Monday, Thomas Tuchel's men are 3 points ahead of Tottenham, 4th, but above all a goal difference largely more favorable (+42 versus +24).

Suffice to say that even if the 19th and already relegated Watford came to win Sunday at Stamford Bridge, it is practically unthinkable that the Spurs, at the 20th, Norwich, go up this gap.

Little in verve lately, Chelsea was surprised by a strike at the entrance to the surface of James Maddison (0-1, 6th).

But a nice volley from Marcos Alonso, on a cross from Reece James, allowed Chelsea to come back to score before the break (1-1, 34th).

The suspense of Thursday's matches mainly concerned the bottom of the classification, with a fight for maintenance which pits Everton, Leeds and Burnley against each other.

The Toffees, 16th with 36 points, two more than Burnley, who were 18th and first relegated with 34, knew that a victory ensured their maintenance.

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew (d) tackles Everton striker Anthony Gordon on May 19, 2022 in Liverpool Oli SCARFF AFP

Against Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace, they completely missed their first period, conceding goals from Frenchman Jean-Philippe Mateta (0-1, 21st) and Jordan Ayew (0-2, 39th).

We may know one day what Frank Lampard said to his men at the break, but in the second half they showed a completely different face.

Dramatic duel between Leeds and Burnley

Back in the starting lineup after several weeks of absence, it was defender Michael Keane who sounded the revolt by converting a deflection from the head of Mason Holgate (1-2, 54th).

A quarter of an hour from the end, a strike from Dele Alli, entered at the break, was repelled by Jack Butland, but Richarlison, well placed, took over to equalize.

And ten minutes later, it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, long injured this season, who scored the goal of maintaining the head, following a free kick (3-2, 85th).

Burnley defender Maxwel Cornet (g) battles Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia on May 19, 2022 in Birmingham Geoff Caddick AFP

With 39 points, Everton can no longer be joined by their two rivals, leaving Burnley and Leeds to engage in a dramatic distance duel on Sunday.

Going to take a point at Aston Villa (1-1), Burnley came out of the red zone on goal difference (-18 against -38) in front of the Peacocks.

They opened the scoring on a penalty conceded by Emiliano Buendia for a foul on Maxwel Cornet and converted by Ashley Barnes just before the break.

But the Argentinian made up for it by equalizing after the break (1-1, 48th).

The Claret and Blue can thank their goalkeeper Nick Pope, brilliant on a strike from John McGinn (31st) or a header from Bertrand Traoré (80th), but they can also tear their hair out thinking of the double chance missed by Connor Roberts , stopped by Emiliano Martinez and Wout Weghorst, who saw his recovery 6 meters from goal saved on his line by Tyrone Mings (85th).

Burnley will host Newcastle for the final day, while Leeds travel to Brentford, a side who are currently in form.

© 2022 AFP