Sports Desk, May 16 (EFE).- Cole Palmer's 22nd goal of the campaign and a second-half strike from Christopher Nkunku ensured Chelsea continued their surge in the Premier League and moved to sixth in the table with their fourth consecutive win, a 2-1 away victory at Brighton on Wednesday.

Manchester United's 3-2 win over Newcastle United on the same night means Chelsea will remain three points clear of both sides, who are currently in eighth and seventh place, respectively.

Chelsea will head into their final game of the season on Sunday against Bournemouth, where a win will now guarantee them European football next season.

They could grab a place in the Europa League depending on how Tottenham Hotspur fare against relegated Sheffield United in their last match.

Only three teams - Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool - have taken more points than Chelsea since Boxing Day, and Mauricio Pochettino's men also continued their form in his 50th game in charge.

Chelsea were awarded a penalty early when Marc Cucurella was brought down by Facundo Buonanotte, but after a lengthy VAR check, the decision was overturned.

Their opening goal came at the half-hour mark when Palmer headed Cucurella's cross into the far top corner.

In the 64th minute, Malo Gusto drove inside the penalty area and passed the ball to Nkunku, who directed it past the goalkeeper.

Reece James was given a straight red card for violent conduct following a VAR review two minutes from time, leaving Chelsea nervous in the last few minutes of the game.

Manchester United came out of a rut in their final home game after three winless outings, as goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Rasmus Hojlund helped them battle past Newcastle United to give underfire manager Erik ten Hag a lifeline to save his job.

Mainoo fired United ahead in the first half following an assist from Amad, prompting a Newcastle response through Anthony Gordon minutes after the break.

Amad himself struck to put United back into the lead, before a fine goal from Rasmus Hojlund moments after he entered the field looked to have sealed the deal.

But Lewis Hall scored from long range in stoppage time to make United work hard to retain their lead.

The league will end on Sunday, when all 20 teams will be in action at the same time, with Manchester City and Arsenal vying for title glory. EFE

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