Liverpool claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield, a win that returned them to the top of the Premier League table. Arne Slot’s men fought hard, and it was the brilliance of Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones that ultimately made the difference. Salah put Liverpool ahead with a first-half penalty, while Jones’ close-range finish in the second half proved to be the decisive goal, helping Liverpool reclaim the top spot from Manchester City.
This match was a crucial test for Liverpool, and despite a spirited fightback from Chelsea, the Reds showed resilience and composure, sealing their 10th win under Slot in just 11 games across all competitions. It was a performance that highlighted Liverpool’s attacking prowess and their ability to handle pressure.
First Half: A Scrappy Start Turns to Liverpool’s Favor
The match began in a rather scrappy fashion, with neither team creating clear-cut chances in the early stages. Both sides seemed to be feeling each other out, with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson engaging in a lively duel on the flank. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer had the first real opportunity in the 24th minute, when Madueke beat Robertson and set him up, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Curtis Jones, who was already having an influential game.
Moments later, Mohamed Salah had a penalty appeal turned down after a tussle with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, who appeared to clip the Egyptian as he tried to break free. Although Salah’s claim was waved away, Colwill was less fortunate soon after. The defender clumsily lashed out at Jones, leading to a penalty that Salah converted emphatically against his former club, putting Liverpool 1-0 up.
As the half drew to a close, controversy struck again. Referee John Brooks initially awarded Liverpool a second penalty after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez clattered into Jones. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the frustration of the Liverpool faithful. Chelsea headed into halftime grateful to be trailing by just one goal.
Second Half: Chelsea’s Fightback and Liverpool’s Quick Response
Chelsea emerged from the break with renewed vigor, and their persistence paid off almost immediately. Nicolas Jackson managed to beat Liverpool’s offside trap and slotted home to bring Chelsea level. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR check confirmed that Jackson was onside, and Chelsea had successfully clawed their way back into the game.
However, their joy was short-lived. Just six minutes after Jackson’s equalizer, Liverpool regained the lead. Salah delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box, which Jones controlled expertly before prodding the ball past Sanchez. It was a goal that highlighted both the vision of Salah and the composure of Jones, whose all-round display earned him the Man of the Match award.
Chelsea pushed for another equalizer, and substitute Renato Veiga had a golden chance to snatch a point deep into stoppage time. Palmer’s free-kick found Veiga unmarked in the box, but the forward’s header went over the bar, much to the relief of Liverpool fans. The final whistle blew, and Liverpool emerged victorious, reclaiming their place at the top of the league.
Curtis Jones: The Star of the Show
One of the biggest talking points from the match was the outstanding performance of Curtis Jones. The 22-year-old was at the heart of everything good about Liverpool’s play. Not only did he score the winning goal, but he also played a crucial role in the first half, making a pivotal block to deny Palmer and winning the penalty that allowed Salah to open the scoring.
Jones’ display was a testament to his growth as a player under Arne Slot. He set the tempo for Liverpool’s midfield, orchestrating attacks, and tracking back defensively whenever needed. His energy, technical skill, and tactical awareness were on full display, and it’s performances like these that will keep Liverpool’s title hopes alive. “It was a top-tier performance from boyhood Red Jones,” noted one pundit, emphasizing how vital he was to Liverpool’s success on the night.
Mohamed Salah’s Continued Influence
Though Curtis Jones may have been the standout player, Mohamed Salah once again proved why he is one of Liverpool’s most crucial assets. His penalty was executed with composure, and his assist for Jones’ winner was a moment of sheer class. Playing against his former team, Salah showed no signs of holding back and was a constant threat to Chelsea’s defense.
Salah’s impact was not just limited to his goal contribution. His intelligent movement off the ball and ability to draw defenders out of position created space for his teammates to exploit. This has been a hallmark of his play since joining Liverpool, and it was on full display against Chelsea.
Chelsea’s Struggles to Break Through
For Chelsea, it was a game of missed opportunities and what-ifs. Enzo Maresca’s side showed flashes of quality, especially in the moments leading up to Jackson’s equalizer, but they were unable to sustain their momentum. Cole Palmer, who has been Chelsea’s main playmaker since the start of the season, struggled to find the spaces he usually exploits, often forced out wide and unable to influence the game as much as he would have liked.
There were glimpses of what Chelsea could achieve, with Madueke causing problems down the flanks and Lavia putting in a solid shift in midfield. However, they were ultimately unable to break down a resilient Liverpool defense for a second time. Veiga’s missed header in stoppage time summed up Chelsea’s evening—close, but not close enough.
Player Ratings: Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Liverpool:
Kelleher 6: Quiet game, made routine saves when called upon.
Alexander-Arnold 6: Solid defensively but less involved in attack than usual.
Konate 7: Strong presence at the back, handled Jackson well.
Van Dijk 7: Commanding as ever, led the defense effectively.
Robertson 5: Struggled against Madueke, not his best outing.
Szoboszlai 6: Steady in midfield, linked up play well.
Gravenberch 6: Worked hard off the ball, quiet in attack.
Jones 9*: Man of the Match, dominated the midfield and scored the winner.
Salah 8: Key figure in attack, scored one and assisted another.
Jota 6: Worked hard, but not as effective in front of goal.
Gakpo 6: Decent movement, but no end product.
Chelsea:
Sanchez 4: Poor performance, could have done better with the goals.
James 6: Tried to push forward, but limited impact.
Tosin 5: Struggled to keep track of Liverpool’s attackers.
Colwill 5: Conceded the penalty and looked vulnerable.
Gusto 6: Energetic, but defensively caught out at times.
Lavia 7: One of the better performers, controlled the midfield well.
Caicedo 7: Strong defensive play, but lacked offensive contribution.
Madueke 7: Chelsea’s most dangerous player, created chances.
Palmer 5: Couldn’t find space, subdued throughout.
Sancho 5: Largely anonymous, failed to make an impact.
Jackson 7: Scored the equalizer, but lacked support.
Conclusion: A Crucial Win for Liverpool, Questions for Chelsea
Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea was a reminder of their title ambitions under Arne Slot. With key performances from Salah and Jones, the Reds showed they can dig deep and grind out results against tough opponents. The win saw them leapfrog Manchester City, and they’ll hope to build on this momentum as the season progresses.
For Chelsea, the loss was a setback. Despite flashes of quality, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, and the defensive lapses proved costly. Maresca’s side will need to regroup and find consistency if they hope to remain in the title race.
As the Premier League season heats up, this result will be a confidence booster for Liverpool, while Chelsea will have to go back to the drawing board to address their shortcomings.
