Arne Slot was delighted with the contribution from Curtis Jones at each ends of the pitch after he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea that despatched Liverpool again to the highest of the Premier League.
Jones tucked in Liverpool’s second objective six minutes into the second half, moments after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser, having already made an important block to disclaim Cole Palmer after which received the penalty from which Mohamed Salah opened the scoring.
Jones thought he had received a second penalty earlier than half-time when he collided with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot however the determination was overturned after a VAR intervention.
Though that was to not be, it was an impressive all-round show from the 23-year-old.
“He had an excellent sport,” Slot stated.
“He had a troublesome job to manage Cole Palmer who’s an unbelievable participant in my view. It’s so troublesome to defend him as a result of he has so many qualities, and Curtis did that actually nicely.
“In my view he managed him for many components of the sport.
“It’s virtually unimaginable to manage him for 90 minutes however he was fairly near that, however then additionally to have the impression on the opposite facet with the objective and the 2 penalties he was concerned in, one disallowed by VAR.
“It reveals you he had a huge impact on each side of the pitch.”
This match had been constructed up as a serious check of Liverpool’s title ambitions, however though the win was sufficient to maneuver them again above Manchester Metropolis by a single level, Slot stated it was solely the beginning of a difficult interval with Arsenal up subsequent weekend after a visit to RB Leipzig.
“I feel it was principally the media that advised us this was our first huge check,” Slot stated.
“I feel should you go to Outdated Trafford towards a really robust staff like United, that’s undoubtedly a check.
“However I stated this week don’t simply decide us on this week, decide us after six, seven, eight video games.
“After this we now have Leipzig, Arsenal, Brighton twice (as soon as within the Carabao Cup), Leverkusen and Aston Villa, so that is our greatest check, to play the Champions League and Premier League, each sport three days in a row.”
Defeat for Chelsea left Enzo Maresca’s facet sixth within the desk, now seven factors behind Liverpool after eight video games.
Though on the dropping finish, Chelsea loved extra possession and created extra probabilities, albeit with out actually threatening Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher too many instances.
“I feel the efficiency was excellent,” Maresca stated.
“You don’t wish to lose video games or drop factors but when it’s a must to select the best way to do it most likely that is the best way. I’ve been to this stadium many instances and seen Liverpool for a very long time.
“It’s not straightforward and I feel total we managed the sport, and for probably the most half we dominated. We misplaced and we’re not pleased however the efficiency on the ball and off the ball was excellent…
“I’m relaxed. I’m not pleased as a result of we misplaced however I’m relaxed and I’m pleased due to the efficiency of the staff.”
