Liverpool reclaimed their Premier League lead with a hard-fought win over Chelsea. Curtis Jones was influential in each of their targets for a 2-1 win. The Blues dropped factors away from dwelling for the primary time this season.
Each groups went for the win
Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca loved respectable begins of their maiden Premier League season. The house defeat to Nottingham Forest is the one time Liverpool didn’t win out of ten video games in all competitions. Equally, Chelsea solely misplaced a single match within the league to this point.
After Arsenal’s shock defeat at Vitality Stadium a day earlier, the Blues have the chance to climb to 3rd within the standings. In the meantime, the hosts purpose to chop quick Manchester Metropolis’s lead on the summit. One other late purpose by John Stones helped Pep Guardiola’s aspect safe essential three factors at cellar dwellers Wolves earlier on Sunday
Alisson Becker’s harm, which prompted Slot to suggest a rethink in fixture scheduling, left Liverpool to start out with Caoimhin Kelleher in purpose. However the largest pregame headline issues Chelsea’s skipper. Reece James goes straight again to the lineup after recovering from his newest hamstring harm.
The guests began the sport with a high-line protection that almost noticed Tosin Adarabioyo despatched off inside the primary ten minutes. After Liverpool’s dominant spell in possession, Maresca’s males grew into the sport. That was till one other problem from Levi Colwill introduced the primary purpose, nevertheless.
Mohamed Salah’s strike from the spot was the sport’s first shot on the right track, however each groups confirmed attacking intent within the first half-hour. The Egyptian was able to repeat the trick within the stroke of half-time earlier than Jones denied a second penalty kick following a VAR evaluate.
Quickfire targets after the break
Shortly after that, Chelsea practically discovered an equalizer by the same old suspect Cole Palmer. They did get their purpose proper after the break, although. Whereas Maresca ready a triple substitution within the wake of Nicolas Jackson’s purpose, Liverpool retook the lead by Jones.
With 4 like-for-like adjustments properly earlier than the hour mark, the Italian coach took an early threat. However they completed the sport with solely two photographs on the right track to their title. Their late effort didn’t materialize as they suffered their first league defeat because the opening week.
Though there was loads of motion in each bins, the match lacked clear-cut possibilities. Nonetheless, the win will do a lot of good for Slot. You possibly can level your fingers at Ibrahima Konate for Chelsea’s solitary stroke. But, conceding three targets after eight rounds may be very commendable.
On the opposite finish of the pitch, Jones had a man-of-the-match efficiency. The 23-year-old had a gradual begin to the season on account of a muscular harm. Nevertheless, he’s again on his toes to earn a spot alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
What’s subsequent for Liverpool and Chelsea?
Liverpool’s difficult schedule will proceed in midweek with a visit to Leipzig. Ibrahima Konaté and Dominik Szoboszlai will duel with their former teammates. The Champions League fixture will likely be adopted by one other high-profile encounter with fellow title hopefuls Arsenal.
Chelsea journey to Greece for a showdown with Panathinaikos wthout Cole Palmer, who shouldn’t be registered of their European Convention League roster. Maresca’s aspect will then face Newcastle United twice within the house of three days.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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