Liverpool secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield, moving them to the top of the Premier League table. In a game packed with drama, goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones were enough to see off a Chelsea side that fought hard but ultimately left empty-handed. Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed his team’s resilience, especially as they now embark on a tough run of fixtures.
The game began with intensity from both sides, with Liverpool determined to make the most of Arsenal’s slip-up against Bournemouth and Manchester City’s late win over Wolves earlier in the day. Chelsea, meanwhile, were aiming to consolidate their push for a top-four spot. Within the first ten minutes, there was already controversy as Tosin Adarabioyo, playing in Chelsea’s backline, escaped a red card for a foul on Diogo Jota. The decision to keep Adarabioyo on the pitch set the tone for an incident-packed match.
Liverpool took the lead midway through the first half after Chelsea defender Levi Colwill fouled Curtis Jones in the box. After a VAR review confirmed the penalty decision, Mohamed Salah coolly converted from the spot, sending Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez the wrong way. It was Salah’s 11th goal of the season and further cemented his status as Liverpool’s talisman.
Chelsea responded after the break and found themselves level just three minutes into the second half. Nicolas Jackson, after initially having his goal flagged for offside, was eventually awarded the equaliser following a VAR review that confirmed he was onside. Jackson, who had been a constant threat for Chelsea, clinically finished after some excellent build-up play from Chelsea’s midfield.
Despite the setback, Liverpool remained calm, and it wasn’t long before Curtis Jones restored their lead. The Liverpool midfielder, who put in an all-action display, scored from close range after a Salah cross found him unmarked in the box. Jones’ goal was the result of some suspect goalkeeping from Sanchez, but the 23-year-old made no mistake, sending the Anfield crowd into raptures.
The second half saw further controversy when Liverpool were awarded another penalty after Sanchez challenged Jones in the box. However, a VAR check overturned the decision, showing that Sanchez got to the ball first. Liverpool continued to press for a third, but the Chelsea defence held firm.
Chelsea had their chances to level the game again, with late efforts from Cole Palmer and Renato Veiga going just wide. Palmer’s shot and Veiga’s header both had the potential to change the narrative of the match, but neither could find the target.
The victory moved Liverpool one point clear at the top of the Premier League, while Chelsea remaiN in sixth place, seven points off the pace. Curtis Jones was named man of the match for his tireless performance and decisive goal, with Arne Slot praising his midfielder’s impact in such a high-stakes game.
For Liverpool, the win adds momentum as they enter a demanding stretch of fixtures. For Chelsea, this was a frustrating defeat in a game where they had their moments but were unable to make them count.
