Liverpool re-established their one-point lead on the prime of the Premier League after a hard-fought win over Chelsea at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s males slipped behind Manchester Metropolis earlier within the day following the defending champions’ controversial, last-gasp 2-1 victory at Wolves however moved again to the summit two hours later.
The spectacular Curtis Jones was the matchwinner, netting Liverpool’s second aim six minutes into the second half after Nicolas Jackson had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opener.
GET IN THERE REDS!!!!! 💪🔴 pic.twitter.com/RZVZn6guP9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2024
Liverpool nearly deserved it however Chelsea’s progress beneath Enzo Maresca was evident and the west Londoners confirmed sufficient to point they are going to be within the combine for a top-four end come season’s finish.
Chelsea had a scare after simply six minutes, nonetheless, when Tosin Adarabioyo bought beneath a protracted punt ahead and dragged down Diogo Jota. It regarded just like the problem that noticed Arsenal’s William Saliba red-carded yesterday however referee John Brooks deemed the problem worthy solely of a yellow.
Cole Palmer had an opportunity on the different finish after 24 minutes however, following good work from Noni Madueke, couldn’t get his shot away and Jones made a wonderful block.
It was a cagey begin from either side nevertheless it was Liverpool who edged in entrance from the spot. The penalty was given after Salah’s shot was partially blocked and the rebound fell on the ft of Jones who had his ankle clipped by Levi Colwill.
Salah stepped up and made no mistake, blasting a robust effort previous Robert Sanchez.
Salah converts the penalty! 🏹 pic.twitter.com/jS2TQ7P5Wh
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 20, 2024
Cody Gakpo had a aim dominated out for offside, given in opposition to Salah within the build-up, earlier than VAR got here to Chelsea’s rescue in first-half damage time.
Sanchez clattered into Jones as he strode on to substitute Darwin Nunez’s move with referee Brooks pointing to the spot. Nonetheless, VAR dominated Sanchez had bought to the ball earlier than taking the person and the choice was overturned.
Chelsea made essentially the most of their fortune and equalised inside three minutes of the restart. Moises Caicedo performed in Jackson and the Senegal striker fired previous Caoimhin Kelleher. The offside flag went up however the aim was given with replays exhibiting Jackson had been performed on by Ibrahima Konate’s outstretched left leg.
Parity lasted for a little bit over two minutes as Salah’s sensible cross from the appropriate picked out the deep run of Jones and the midfielder took a contact earlier than poking it previous Sanchez.
Curtis Jones RESPONDS instantly for Liverpool! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/v3urTHUgNU
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 20, 2024
That was the immediate for Maresca to make a triple change with captain Reece James amongst these to depart having made his first begin of the season at right-back.
Palmer, who this week spoke of his want to sooner or later carry the Ballon d’Or, had been on the periphery however lastly bought into the sport after the hour mark.
His first effort was a tantalisingly positioned free-kick that he struck into the wall whereas he was then denied by the outstretched leg of Dominik Szoboszlai after discovering area within the space to get on the tip of Pedro Neto’s move.
Renato Veiga nodded over Palmer’s free-kick in stoppage time with Christopher Nkunku then failing to get on the tip of Neto’s cross on the far put up as Liverpool held on.
