Liverpool beat Chelsea to reclaim top spot in Premier League
Jones scored Liverpool winner in second half
Jackson equalised after Salah penalty put Reds in front
Man City beat Wolves 2-1 earlier on Sunday - read more
Image source, Getty ImagesThat's all for this page.
Thanks for ing us and for your comments.
One more game to go in this round of matches as Nottingham Forest entertain Crystal Palace tomorrow so us for that one on Monday.
Until next time, bye for now.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea at Anfield as manager Arne Slot's outstanding start continued.
The Dutchman is the first Liverpool boss to win 10 of his first 11 games, this latest triumph sending them a point clear of Manchester City following their dramatic stoppage-time victory at Wolves earlier.
Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead from the spot after 29 minutes following Levi Colwill’s foul on Curtis Jones, though a second penalty awarded on the stroke of half-time for Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's block on the same player was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR) after initially being awarded by referee John Brooks.
Chelsea took advantage of that VAR reprieve to equalise three minutes after the break, Nicolas Jackson racing clear to score, the goal awarded after being ruled out for offside.
Liverpool took only three minutes to restore their lead, Jones stealing in at the far post to steer Salah's cross past a hesitant Sanchez in front of a joyous Kop.
It mean Slot's only loss since succeeding Jurgen Klopp was to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September, while this was Chelsea's first league defeat under new manager Enzo Maresca since the opening-weekend home reverse against Manchester City.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen you have someone like Cole Palmer, he was going to be a big focus for Liverpool.
Even though Palmer wasn't at his best Liverpool gave up a lot of space out wide.
The one who was getting time on the ball was Lavia and Gusto, you're not going to leave Palmer in loads of space.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Daniel Sturridge
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker on Sky Sports
It is refreshing. I'm not going to say Arne Slot is not demanding, but everyone knows how demanding Jurgen Klopp was.
Even Curtis Jones said being at home [the night before the game] is a different mindset for players.
All in all the players are buying into the manager. Slot's personality comes cross very well. Whatever Slot is doing behind the scenes it's working.
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Slot is working miracles. Who would have thought Liverpool would be playing like this at the beginning of this season.
Anon
Not the cleanest or best performance, but these are the games Liverpool need to win to stay where they are now. All credit at the moment to the 'Flying Dutchman' and Curtis Jones for a brilliant individual display.
Anon
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports: "The most important thing if you want to have a chance to win a game like this is that you work so hard, and we did.
"In the meantime we created some very good chances and were - and I know I may be biased - a bit unlucky with some decisions.
"It could have been a crucial decision to overturn the refereeing decision on the pitch [the second penalty]. In my opinion, you look at it on the screen and it is a penalty.
"Then there was the decision of the red card [Tosin on Diogo Jota], which we saw yesterday [William Saliba v Bournemouth] was red in a similar situation. They a big decisions because penalties and red cards decides a game a lot. But in the end a good win against a very strong Chelsea."
On his yellow card: "It came from the fact that a few decisions that did not go in our favour. Sometimes you cannot hold you emotions. The ref deserved to give me a yellow card."
On Curtis Jones' performance: "Very good, the whole team worked very very hard. He had a difficult job controlling Cole Palmer, which is not easy as he has quality. And he added some important moments too - involved in two penalty decisions and scoring a goal."
On the importance of the win: "Everyone who saw this game knows it was not easy. It is good we now have a bit of a gap on Chelsea as in my opinion they will be up near the top."
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
I thought Chelsea were excellent.
When managers come up against each other they try to do something different to throw the oppositions setup.
They caused Liverpool problems. In of control of the game Chelsea were better, but what let them down was the goalkeeper.
The thing Chelsea didn't do enough of in the second half was create chances.
Liverpool were hanging on at times and they were hanging on to get to the final whistle.
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Never expected a Chelsea win at Anfield after all that’s happened over the last two years. But, with only a one goal loss, and having scored from open play for our goal, and having more possession at Anfield, this is big improvement. It is evidence that things are going well so far this season.
Anon
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think many good things about the performance. Overall it was very good, to come to this stadium against this team and dominate most of the game is not easy.
"If we were able to maintain the 1-1 for longer then probably the result would have been different. My intention was to come here and play the way we are training every day and that was clear."
On goalkeeper Robert Sanchez: "I'm very happy with Robert, he's doing fantastic with us. Not only in building from the back but also making saves."
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Micah Richards
Former England defender on Sky Sports
Cole Palmer at times was non-existent.
He couldn't really get involved in the game, he was the decoy at times. In of going forward Chelsea didn't manage to get their star player involved in the game.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "The main decision that went against us was the decision to overturn the referee [penalty decision] with VAR. It could have been a completely different game if we'd gone 2-0 up.
"All the decisions were not in our favour, let's put it that way."
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
On Curtis Jones' goal...
It's so poor from Chelsea's point. Reece James ambles in there.
The goalkeeper is so poor. It was a poor touch from Curtis Jones really, and it's poor from the goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez has got to go and win that ball.
Jones should be terrified that a goalkeeper is coming towards him. You have got to get there and hope it hits you in the face and you keep it out.
Chelsea need a new goalkeeper if they want to get back to where they want to be.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Daniel Sturridge
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker on Sky Sports
Nicolas Jackson is pivotal to the system.
He's good at going into the false nine position. It was a fantastic finish, calm in front of goal.
I am analysing him on open play. I'm not analysing him on statistics, I don't think he's devastating in front of goal, but I think he has what it takes to get there.
When you're playing in the spotlight at any top club you are judged because of likes of Drogba, Anelka and Crespo - you're judging him compared to those world-class strikers.
I think we have been a bit too critical.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea boss Enzo Maresca, speaking to MOTD: "We don't like to drop points and lose a game, but if you have to choose a way, this is the way.
"We came here and tried to control the game, dominate. For most of the game we played in their half and I thought the performance was fantastic.
"I came here many times in the past and I know how difficult it is but the way we controlled and managed the game was fantastic.
"This is the right direction."
On referee decisions in the game: "There are some decisions that have been clear for everyone, the referee is there to take a decision and they decide in a different way.
"It is a setback because we lost but the performance was probably one of the best of the season."
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
On Mohamed Salah's moving up to t ninth in the Premier League goalscoring list.
Mo Salah will have an eye on Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard.
I think stats like this are one of the biggest reasons why Salah will sign a new contract at Liverpool.
These are things which get the juices flowing for Salah.
Mohamed Salah has scored 162 Premier League goals. Thierry Henry has scored 175 while Frank Lampard has scored 177 Premier League goals.
Alan Shearer is miles clear of everyone else out in front on 260.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on TNT Sports
For the second goal, can he be a bit braver? Can he maybe spread himself like Schmeichel used to?
Liverpool have got a top class goalkeeper, City have got a top class goalkeeper, Arsenal do, Aston Villa have. Have Chelsea? That's the question.
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Chelsea played OK today, but this was a crash down to earth for the ‘plucky underdogs’. They’ve probably got to spend another billion quid before they can challenge with the big boys again.
Will
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Daniel Sturridge
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker on Sky Sports
Image source, ReutersEnd-to-end stuff. Chelsea were good in the first half. Throughout the course of the game Liverpool showed their quality.
It was a magnificent game to watch.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Liverpool's Andy Robertson, speaking to MOTD: "It is always like that - two good teams going at it. We have had good games over the years against them. It is always difficult.
"It took us a little time to get going but once we did I think we were quite comfortable in the first half. In the second we defended really well and limited them.
"After the last international break we let ourselves down against Nottingham Forest and we were determined to put that right and I think we did that.
"There are different ways to win and today was one we had to grind out. We have played better this season but we got two crucial goes and defended well for the most part."
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea manager Enzo Marseca, to Sky Sports: "We don't like to lose or drop points, but I really liked the performance. We deserved something more but the performance was good.
"We controlled most of the game. We had chances, we had possession. We don't like to lose, but if we have to choose this is the way. The team was brave on and off the ball.
"I don't think this game defines where we are. We prepared in the best way, it worked quite well. You have to take chances, but overall I am very happy with the players."
On refereeing decisions: "I didn't see anything in of decisions from the referee. The only thing I can see is in this stadium is is something the noise of the crowd.
"The only thing I can say is the referee is there to make decisions. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong. Sometimes it is because of the noise [of the crowd], but overall I think they did OK."
Benitez analyses 'fantastic' Jones performance
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea at Anfield as manager Arne Slot's outstanding start continued.
The Dutchman is the first Liverpool boss to win 10 of his first 11 games, this latest triumph sending them a point clear of Manchester City following their dramatic stoppage-time victory at Wolves earlier.
Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead from the spot after 29 minutes following Levi Colwill’s foul on Curtis Jones, though a second penalty awarded on the stroke of half-time for Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's block on the same player was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR) after initially being awarded by referee John Brooks.
Chelsea took advantage of that VAR reprieve to equalise three minutes after the break, Nicolas Jackson racing clear to score, the goal awarded after being ruled out for offside.
Liverpool took only three minutes to restore their lead, Jones stealing in at the far post to steer Salah's cross past a hesitant Sanchez in front of a joyous Kop.
It mean Slot's only loss since succeeding Jurgen Klopp was to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September, while this was Chelsea's first league defeat under new manager Enzo Maresca since the opening-weekend home reverse against Manchester City.
Slot praises Liverpool's 'incredible work-rate'
Liverpool are a more ordered side under Slot, more measured than the all-out 'heavy metal' football of his illustrious predecessor Klopp who swept up silverware before leaving Anfield at the end of last season.
What has not changed is the success, with what has been regarded as a good start tempered by cautious messaging about the standard of opposition beaten - now rebadged as an excellent one after victory over an improving Chelsea side.
This win was workmanlike, but another three points is what mattered, especially as Manchester City applied pressure after the theatre and controversy of their last-gasp win at Wolves.
Salah had one of his quieter games, yet set Liverpool on their way from spot and carved out a brilliant assist for Curtis Jones' winner.
It was a goal Jones deserved for a lively performance, which earned one penalty and only had another denied by VAR.
Liverpool survived a couple of anxious moments near the end, and an early injury which meant Diogo Jota was replaced by Darwin Nunez provided the one cloud, but this result and performance is the perfect platform for next Sunday's visit to Premier League title rivals Arsenal.
Chelsea's performance best this season despite Liverpool loss - Maresca
Chelsea are now winless in ten matches against Liverpool, including losses in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup final in 2022 on penalties, along with a Wembley defeat in extra time last season.
This was another tale of Chelsea disappointment at Anfield.
Maresca's side are undoubtedly on the up and the manager will be satisfied with many aspects of this performance, especially an outstanding individual display by midfielder Moises Caicedo, but Chelsea lacked punch to go with their possession.
And Maresca will be especially frustrated Chelsea conceded the winner to Jones so soon after equalising after half-time, allowing Liverpool to wrest back control after Jackson's equaliser.
Cole Palmer drifted in and out of the game, curling one first-half chance narrowly over and seeing a second-half free-kick blocked from a good position, but this was not one of his more effective performances.
Chelsea hinted at their recent improvement with periods of calm control on the ball, especially in the early phases when they managed to quieten the Anfield atmosphere, but in the end it was the same old story as Liverpool emerged victorious.
Mohamed Salah celebrates putting Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot against Chelsea at Anfield
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport s.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 12 | 21 |
| |
| 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 20 |
| |
| 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 17 |
| |
| 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 17 |
| |
| 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 15 |
| |
| 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 14 |
| |
| 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 13 |
| |
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 12 |
| |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 11 |
| |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 11 |
| |
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 10 |
| |
| 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 15 | -1 | 10 |
| |
| 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 9 |
| |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 8 |
| |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 15 | -6 | 8 |
| |
| 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 16 | -10 | 4 |
| |
| 7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 3 |
| |
| 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 18 | -12 | 1 |
| |
| 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 23 | -13 | 1 |
|
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Chelsea, though five of these have ended level (W1).
Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League away games against Liverpool (D5 L3), going down 4-1 in this exact fixture last season.
Having lost three consecutive league games against Chelsea between 2013 and 2014, Liverpool have now lost just two of their last 19 against the Blues (W7 D10).
Liverpool have conceded the fewest goals (2), kept the most clean sheets (5), and have the lowest expected goals against figure (5.2) of any side in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, only Manchester City (17) have scored more goals than Chelsea (16) in the division this term, and only Tottenham boast a higher xG (15.0) than the Blues (14.7).
Along with Liverpool, Chelsea are one of two sides with a 100% away win rate in the Premier League this season (3/3). Only in 2005-06 (4) and 2008-09 (8) have the Blues ever won their opening four away matches of a league season.
In the 266 minutes Liverpool’s Premier League games have been level on the scoreline this season, the Reds have faced just 16 shots, an average of 5.4 per 90. This is both the lowest total faced and per 90 faced when drawing of any side in the competition this term.
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca is looking to become only the fifth manager to win each of his first four away Premier League games, with one of the previous four to do so being his counterpart in this match, Liverpool’s Arne Slot (also Bobby Gould, John Gregory, and Luiz Felipe Scolari).
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has four goals in 13 Premier League games against former side Chelsea, averaging a goal every 257 minutes against the Blues. Among opponents he has played 10+ times in the competition, only against Burnley (778) does he have a poorer mins-per-goal rate.
Only Dominic Solanke (24) has made more targeted runs into the box in the Premier League this season than Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (22). The Portuguese forward has 11 goal involvements in his last 12 league starts (7 goals, 4 assists), and five in his last six at Anfield (4 goals, 1 assist).
Chelsea pair Cole Palmer (11) and Noni Madueke (4) have created 15 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, the most of any duo. Indeed, Palmer’s four assists for Madueke is also the most from one player for a teammate so far this term.
