Premier League: Liverpool see off Chelsea
Liverpool 2 - 1 Chelsea
Arne Slot's outstanding start as Liverpool manager continued as his side saw off a clearly improved Chelsea at Anfield.
Chelsea are now winless in their last ten matches against Liverpool, including losses in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup final in 2022, both decided by penalties, along with a defeat at Wembley in extra time last season.
Slot is the first Liverpool boss to win 10 of his first 11 games, with this latest victory putting them a point clear of Manchester City after their dramatic stoppage-time win at Wolves.
A closer look at what happened
Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead after 29 minutes, converting a penalty following Levi Colwill’s foul on Curtis Jones.
Just before half-time, Liverpool were awarded a second penalty when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez brought down Jones, but after initially being given by referee John Brooks, the decision was overturned by VAR.
#LIVCHE – 45+2’ VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) October 20, 2024
The referee awarded a penalty to Liverpool for a foul by Sanchez on Jones. The VAR deemed that Sanchez won the ball and no foul was committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a…
Chelsea capitalised on that VAR decision, equalising three minutes into the second half when Nicolas Jackson broke through and scored. The goal, initially ruled offside, was allowed after review.
Liverpool quickly regained the lead just three minutes later, with Curtis Jones sneaking in at the far post to guide Salah's cross past a hesitant Sanchez.
This victory means that Arne Slot’s only loss since taking over from Jurgen Klopp was to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September. Meanwhile, it marked Chelsea’s first league defeat under new manager Enzo Maresca since their opening weekend home loss to Manchester City.
How did Liverpool win the match? More reaction to an enthralling afternoon at Anfield.
After a strong start to the season, albeit against less impressive competition, Liverpool faced their first true test against a top-four contender. Arne Slot’s side remained calm and composed under early pressure and quickly discovered ways to get beyond the Chelsea defence.
For me, Jones was the obvious standout. Also, the resilience everyone showed in what will probably be one of our toughest home tests of the season was really promising.
Did Liverpool deserve the win?
— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) October 21, 2024
Visit https://t.co/8dEkMVPnEs for more reaction. https://t.co/1z9OIDWMfu
How did Chelsea perform?
The manager said he was proud of his players after the match and it's easy to see why. This Chelsea side looked a different side to the chaotic outfit that we have become so used to seeing. However, their inability to pose a threat when they were on top was a problem. The home side was still too comfortable.
I spoke to Lewis, a Chelsea fan living in Greater Manchester. He told me: "I never expected us to win at Anfield after all that’s happened over the last two years. But, with only a one-goal loss, and having scored from open play for our goal, and having more possession at Anfield, this is a big improvement. It is evidence that things are going well so far this season."
