Liverpool reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds, under new manager Arne Slot, continue their impressive start to the season with a performance that had fans on the edge of their seats.
In a match full of drama, missed chances, and crucial interventions by VAR, it was Curtis Jones’ goal that sealed the win after Mohamed Salah’s early penalty.
Chelsea, despite dominating possession and firing off more attempts, couldn’t find the breakthrough needed to overturn the game in their favor.
Liverpool’s Perfect Start Under Arne Slot
Liverpool’s rise under Arne Slot has been nothing short of spectacular. The team has quickly adapted to his high-energy style of play, delivering attacking football that has delighted fans at Anfield and beyond.
Coming into the game, Liverpool had won six of their last seven Premier League matches, including standout victories against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
With Manchester City breathing down their necks, the pressure was on to maintain their momentum against a resurgent Chelsea side led by Enzo Maresca.
The game began with both teams showing caution, but Liverpool’s quality soon started to shine through. Curtis Jones was brought down inside the box by Chelsea’s Levi Colwill around the half-hour mark, giving Mohamed Salah the chance to open the scoring.
The Egyptian made no mistake from the penalty spot, calmly sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way to net his fifth goal of the season.
VAR Drama and Missed Chances
Liverpool thought they had doubled their lead just moments later when Cody Gakpo turned in a cross from Salah, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The Reds continued to push, with Curtis Jones at the heart of another controversial moment in first-half stoppage time.
After a collision with Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, the referee awarded Liverpool a second penalty. However, VAR intervened, overturning the decision as replays showed Sanchez had reached the ball first.
Chelsea, although behind on the scoreline, continued to create opportunities. Their xG (expected goals) of 0.93 reflected their attacking intent, though their finishing left much to be desired. Despite having 12 shots compared to Liverpool’s eight, Chelsea only managed to hit the target twice.
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Chelsea’s Fast Second-Half Response
Chelsea came out firing in the second half and didn’t take long to level the score. Nicolas Jackson, who had been a constant threat to the Liverpool defense, latched onto a brilliant through ball from Moisés Caicedo just three minutes after the restart.
VAR confirmed that Ibrahima Konate had played Jackson onside, and the Senegalese striker calmly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to make it 1-1.
The Blues’ celebrations were short-lived, though, as Liverpool hit back almost immediately. Once again, Curtis Jones was at the center of the action, this time finishing off a delightful cross from Salah to restore Liverpool’s lead just three minutes after Chelsea’s equalizer.
Jones’ goal proved to be the decisive moment in the match, as the Reds managed to hold on for the win despite a late flurry of chances from Chelsea.
Chelsea’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Chelsea’s performance was marked by a lack of clinical finishing. The Blues registered more attempts on goal than Liverpool, but with only two shots on target, they struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.
Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, who have created the most chances for each other in the Premier League this season, were kept quiet for large parts of the game by Liverpool’s disciplined defense.
Despite their dominance in possession (55%) and a higher number of shots, Chelsea’s xG of 0.93 compared to Liverpool’s 1.63 tells the story of a team that couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Maresca’s side will need to find a cutting edge in front of goal if they hope to challenge for a top-four spot this season.
What’s Next for Liverpool and Chelsea?
With this victory, Liverpool returns to the top of the Premier League standings, one point ahead of Manchester City. The Reds’ next fixture sees them travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, another tough test in their quest to maintain their title challenge.
Arne Slot will be hoping his side can continue their impressive form and extend their winning streak.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, but their performance showed plenty of promise. Enzo Maresca’s side is still finding their rhythm this season, and despite the setback, they remain just seven points off the top.
Chelsea’s next challenge comes at home against Newcastle United, a must-win game if they want to keep pace with the top-four contenders.
