Curtis Jones scored a decisive winner as Liverpool edged Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, keeping Arne Slot’s men atop the Premier League table in a tightly contested encounter.
Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead in the 29th minute, converting a penalty against the flow of play after a clumsy handball by Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. Despite dominating much of the early possession and creating multiple chances, Chelsea found themselves chasing the game.
Nicolas Jackson pulled Chelsea level early in the second half, capitalizing on a perfectly timed pass from Enzo Fernández to slot past Alisson. However, Liverpool’s response was swift. Just minutes later, Salah turned provider, delivering a low cross into the box that Jones calmly tapped past Robert Sánchez from close range.
Although Chelsea had more shots on goal, Liverpool’s resilience and clinical finishing made the difference. The visitors tested Liverpool’s defense throughout the match, but Alisson stood tall when called upon.
This hard-fought victory gives Liverpool 21 points from their first eight matches, keeping them one point clear of second-placed Manchester City, who also secured a 2-1 win over Wolves earlier in the day. Chelsea remain in sixth with 14 points, as their inconsistency continues to haunt them.
Key Takeaways:
- Salah’s Influence: Scored the opener and assisted the winner.
- Chelsea’s Missed Opportunities: Despite creating more chances, they failed to capitalize.
- Liverpool’s Perfect Response: The Reds bounced back immediately after conceding.
With momentum on their side, Liverpool continue to show they are genuine title contenders under Arne Slot’s leadership. As for Chelsea, it’s back to the drawing board as they aim to improve their finishing in key moments.