CHELSEA were in inspired form tonight as they defeated favourites Paris Saint-Germain to claim the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America.
Cole Palmer inspired a stunning performance by the English Premier League side Sunday as they romped to victory over the European champions, who had beaten Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals.
The England attacking midfielder scored twice and set up a brilliant third goal for new signing Joao Pedro in a comprehensive 3-0 win over in-form PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Palmer, 23, placed a low shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 22nd minute after Malo Gusto ran in behind Nuno Mendes, adding a second with an identical shot from the edge of the box just eight minutes later.
Palmer’s defence-splitting pass allowed Joao Pedro to lob Donnarumma just before half-time to stun a team branded “the best in the world” by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca before kick-off.
In the second half Khvicha Kvaratskhelia immediately tested Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but his close-range save minutes later from Ousmane Dembele was even more impressive.
Substitute Liam Delap also had a good shot saved as PSG were left with too much of a mountain to climb after early misses by Joao Neves and Desire Doue when the scores were level in the first half.
The game was all but over on 85 minutes when matters got worse for the Parisians, as midfielder Joao Neves was sent off after a brief VAR check for pulling defender Marc Cucurella’s hair.
PSG manager Luis Enrique will also face questions after appearing to slap Chelsea forward Joao Pedro in ugly post-match scenes, with unused substitute Presnel Kimpembe having to pull away his coach.
Among the 81,118 people in attendance – the biggest of the tournament – was US President Donald Trump, who sat alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino as Chelsea took their earnings to about £90m as they became world champions.
With agency report