Liverpool continued their charge at the top of the Premier League table with a crucial victory over fellow title contenders Chelsea, maintaining a narrow one-point lead. It was a tense, hard-fought battle at Anfield, as both sides showcased their ambitions to challenge for the title. The win not only kept Liverpool’s position at the summit secure but also reinforced the impact of their new manager, Arne Slot, who has now won 10 of his first 11 games in charge.
In a game that was defined by its intensity and moments of brilliance, Curtis Jones stood out as the pivotal figure. His energy and drive in the midfield set the tone for Liverpool’s approach, and it was Jones who earned the first-half penalty that Mohamed Salah calmly slotted home to give the Reds the lead. However, the celebration was short-lived as Chelsea found an equalizer early in the second half through Nicolas Jackson. Jackson’s goal was a reminder of the threat Chelsea posed, but Liverpool responded with resilience, seeing out the match with a crucial 2-1 victory.
Arne Slot’s tactical decisions once again proved decisive. The Dutch manager has instilled a high-pressing, high-energy style that has quickly yielded results. Sunday afternoon’s encounter was a thrilling affair, with both sides trading blows, but Liverpool’s clinical edge in the key moments secured them the points. Slot’s influence has been immediate and profound, as his side continues to lead the Premier League pack.
Player Performances:
Ibrahima Konate – 7/10
Konate had a mixed afternoon at Anfield. The towering center-back started strong, clearing well during Chelsea’s early attacking spells. However, he was guilty of keeping Nicolas Jackson onside for Chelsea’s equalizer, a lapse that briefly threatened Liverpool’s control of the game. Despite that, Konate regained his composure and was solid for the remainder of the match, helping his side weather Chelsea’s pressure. His physical presence was important, but his booking late on showed his growing frustration with the contest’s intensity.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
The Liverpool captain didn’t have to intervene as much as expected, as much of Chelsea’s attacking focus avoided his zone. When called upon, however, Van Dijk showed his aerial dominance, especially during set-pieces where his presence was crucial in defending against Chelsea’s threats. Although it wasn’t a game where he shone brightly, his calmness under pressure helped stabilize Liverpool’s defense.
Andy Robertson – 6/10
Robertson endured a tough first half as he struggled to contain Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. The Scottish left-back had few opportunities to join the attack as he was pinned back by Chelsea’s aggressive play. In the second half, however, Robertson adjusted and defended more solidly as Chelsea increased the tempo. Despite being booked, he contributed to Liverpool’s defensive resilience in the latter stages of the match.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
It wasn’t Gravenberch’s most dynamic performance, with the Dutch midfielder finding it difficult to impose himself in the first half. He was composed in possession but found it harder to cover the midfield spaces as Chelsea pressed. However, he grew into the game and finished strongly, displaying the kind of tactical awareness that makes him a key part of Arne Slot’s plans going forward.
Curtis Jones – 9/10
The standout performer of the match, Curtis Jones was everywhere. From his tireless running to his creativity in the final third, Jones was the engine driving Liverpool’s midfield. He earned a penalty that Salah converted and almost doubled his side’s lead before VAR intervened. Jones also scored Liverpool’s second goal in spectacular fashion, capping off an all-action performance. His influence was undeniable, and his substitution late on was a testament to how much energy he poured into the game.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10
Salah, as always, was Liverpool’s go-to man in crucial moments. He confidently converted the penalty that put his side ahead and later provided the assist for Jones’ goal. Salah’s battle with Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Veiga was physical, but the Egyptian forward handled it with composure and discipline. He also worked tirelessly to help defensively, highlighting his all-round contribution to Liverpool’s cause.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6/10
Szoboszlai took time to find his rhythm in the game. The Hungarian midfielder was cautious in his approach in the early stages, but as the match wore on, he became more involved, especially when driving forward from deeper positions. His performance, though effective at times, lacked the cutting edge needed to break down Chelsea consistently. A yellow card summed up a mixed day for Szoboszlai.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Gakpo had a challenging afternoon, failing to exploit Reece James’ potential rustiness on Chelsea’s right flank. While his pressing was effective in disrupting Chelsea’s buildup play, Gakpo didn’t offer much going forward and was eventually substituted as Liverpool searched for more attacking potency.
Diogo Jota – 6/10
Jota’s match was cut short after he endured a heavy challenge from Tosin Adarabioyo, a tackle that saw the Chelsea defender controversially booked. Jota struggled to find his rhythm after the incident and was substituted early in the first half.
Darwin Nunez (for Jota, 31’) – 7/10
Nunez was introduced early and made an instant impact. His energy and clever touches in the final third brought a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, and his involvement in buildup play was a key factor in Liverpool’s late dominance. However, his booking late in the game hinted at the fiery nature of his performance.
Luis Diaz (for Gakpo, 66’) – 6/10
Luis Diaz offered a few flashes of his trademark speed and trickery but found himself on the fringes for much of the game. His late effort on goal was one of the few chances he created during his time on the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Jones, 81’) – 6/10
Mac Allister was introduced late to bring fresh legs to Liverpool’s midfield. His energy was immediately felt, though he picked up a booking for a couple of mistimed challenges as he attempted to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm in the dying minutes.
Joe Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold, 81’) – 7/10
Gomez slotted in at right-back for the final stretch of the game, helping to shore up Liverpool’s defense. His presence added stability as Chelsea pushed for an equalizer, and his defensive contributions were crucial in the final moments of the game.