Liverpool retained their place at the top the Premier League table by defeating Chelsea at Anfield.
On a weekend in which Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the campaign, the Reds entered Sunday’s clash with an opportunity to put more space between themselves and some of their title rivals.
After Levi Colwill clumsily brought down Curtis Jones inside the box, Mo Salah stepped up from twelve yards and lashed the ball beyond Robert Sanchez to put the hosts into the lead.
Chelsea had failed to muster a shot on target in the first half but returned from the interval revitalised and equalised through Nicolas Jackson before Jones was on hand just minutes later to restore his side’s advantage.
Mail Sport’s JOE BERNSTEIN was present at the ground to offer his expert assessment of both teams’ performance.
Liverpool maintained their place at the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea
Mo Salah fired his side into the lead from the penalty spot in a dramatic first half at Anfield
Chelsea equalised through Nicolas Jackson but Curtis Jones put the Reds back in front
Liverpool
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 6.5
Alisson’s deputy has a habit of doing well against Chelsea. Though this wasn’t his busiest afternoon, commanded his penalty area well and saved from Palmer
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 6
Handled Sancho overall but fortunate VAR didn’t check his challenge that caught the winger on the ankle inside the box. We didn’t see as much of his usual attacking self
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 6.5
Leadership skills come to the fore in heavyweight contests like this. He’ll be sorely missed if this season proves his last dance at Anfield.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 6
Popular figure on The Kop but his failure to step up and play offside allowed Jackson to grab equaliser at start of second half
Caoimhin Kelleher again proved a more than able deputy in the absence of the injured Alisson
In a heavyweight clash, Virgil van Dijk remains a key component of Liverpool’s back line
ANDY ROBERTSON 5.5
On a day Anfield paid respects to another great Liverpool Scot, Peter Cormack, the current left-back was given an uncomfortable time by Madueke
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7
Fits the holding midfield position like a glove. Showed again how comfortable he is, taking passes on the half-turn and surging forward to begin attacks
CURTIS JONES – 8.5
A stand-out replacement for Alexis Mac Allister. Box-to-box display saw him win a penalty, score a decisive goal and deny Palmer with a brave block
MOHAMED SALAH – 7
At the heart of Liverpool’s big moments, as usual. Thumped in his penalty and set up Jones to retake the lead after Chelsea’s equaliser. A debit was his dive to try and win a spot-kick
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI – 5.5
Didn’t produce enough for a No10. One promising break was let down by a lame finish at Sanchez when set up by Gakpo. Potential currently greater than output.
The arrival of Arne Slot has provided Ryan Gravenberch with a new lease of life at Anfield
CODY GAKPO – 7
His work-rate is a huge asset for Slot’s side. Impressive in the press which worried Sanchez. Also showed quality to set up Szoboszlai.
DIOGO JOTA – 5.5
Hurt his ribs after being clattered by Tosin early on and made way after half-an-hour having tried to soldier on. Failed to make an impact, but understandably.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Darwin Nunez (for Jota 30) 6.5 – Caused chaos as usual besides holding up the ball and helping his defence
Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 66) 6 – Provided width on the left and enjoyed the physical side
Mac Allister (for Jones 81)
Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 81)
MANAGER: ARNE SLOT – 7
Still top. A remarkable start to his career replacing a legend
Chelsea
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 6
Swirling wind played havoc with his kicking. Escaped conceding second Liverpool penalty when VAR ruled he touched ball before colliding with Jones.
REECE JAMES – 6
First appearance of the season for the Chelsea captain following hamstring problems. Maresca trusted him by putting him in the Anfield cauldron and he didn’t let anyone down.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO 5.5
Early caution for grabbing Jota on halfway line and must have been worried given Saliba’s red card on Saturday. Walked a tightrope thereafter and replaced early in second half.
LEVI COLWILL – 6
Incensed a penalty was given against him for a challenge on Jones which led to light contact. Looks more comfortable with Fofana alongside him in heart of defence.
MALO GUSTO – 6
Shifted to left-back to accommodate return of James. A mixed bag with some good forward runs, mixed in with wayward crossing. Happier when switched to the right.
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Chose Chelsea over Liverpool and showed Anfield why he was so highly sought-after. Drove hard from midfield and produced slide-rule pass for Jackson’s goal.
ROMEO LAVIA – 6.5
Another former Liverpool target. Started ahead of Enzo Fernandez and gave Chelsea’s midfield legs, but still found it hard to stop Gravenberch dictating.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
A real threat down Chelsea’s right. Skinned Robertson on a couple of occasions. Fed Palmer for great chance to level at end of first half.
COLE PALMER – 6
Chelsea’s most famous Mancunian would have relished Anfield challenge but this was a nearly game for him. Curled chance over but also showed leadership qualities.
JADON SANCHO – 5.5
Might have earned a penalty for Alexander-Arnold’s foul, hurting his ankle, but otherwise did little else and it was no surprise he was replaced at the interval.
NICOLAS JACKSON – 6.5
A very different striker to last season. His finish from Caicedo’s pass was confident and though originally given offside, replays showed he’d timed his run perfectly
SUBSTITUTES
Pedro Neto (for Sancho 45) – 6 Didn’t capitalise on being given the full second half
Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia 53) – 5.5 Let’s just say there are better World Cup winners
Benoit Badiashile (for Adarabioyo 53) – 5.5 Will be glad to see back off Nunez
Renato Veiga (for James 53) 6 – At £12million is one of Chelsea’s bargains
Christopher Nkunku (for Madueke 76)
MANAGER – ENZO MARESCA – 6.5
What he’s done with this Chelsea side in less than three months is impressive
