Liverpool Game Against Chelsea Toughest So Far-Slot

Liverpool earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield to reclaim top position on the Premier League table.

Mohammed Salah opened the scoring for the hosts from the spot on the half four mark after Levi Colwill fouled Curtis Jones.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Liverpool but Chelsea came out with intent and purpose in the second half.

The Blues quickly restored parity in the 48th minute through Nicolas Jackson.

Three minutes later, Curtis Jones restored Liverpool’s lead with a close range finish following a sublime through pass from Salah.

Chelsea threw all they had to the hosts, but Liverpool held on to record a vital win, which helped them regain the top position.

The Reds are one point clear of Manchester City as they enjoy a perfect start to life under new coach, Arne Slot.

Slot admitted that Chelsea gave them a tough run for their money but hailed his players for living up to the fight to win.

He said, “Many other games were hard but this might have been the hardest maybe because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have. We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line.

“We defended so strong through the whole team. There was an incredible work rate. The game became difficult for us because there were a few decisions in my opinion that didn’t go for us, the most crucial was when we thought we had the penalty before half time. To go 2-0 before half time would make a massive difference from 1-0. Then we conceded but we stepped up again and scored the second.

“The better the teams you face the more you need it [fight]. In the Premier League, there are so many good teams, so if you want to win, at least you need to fight, and then hopefully, the individuals can make the difference.

“It helps if you play against Chelsea, it is a big game and everyone feels it. We felt it and the fans felt it because they were there for us today.

“We showed up, that was the most important thing.”

Similarly, Chelsea coach, Enzo Maresca was full of praise for his players despite the defeat.

He said, “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.”

Liverpool will be back in Premier League action against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday, while Chelsea take Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on the same day.