Image Source - Soccer Ludama
Liverpool Proves Title Worthy with 2-1 Victory over Chelsea
In their first real test of the Premier League season, Liverpool were holding an in-form Chelsea squad. With both teams at full strength, the Reds were able to claim a 2-1 victory that catapulted them into the top of the league, ahead of Manchester City by just one point. Though Mohamed Salah came through as per usual, it was Curtis Jones who dragged the day's headlines, playing a part in both goals for Liverpool.
Salah Scores, Jones Shines
Liverpool's opener came through a Mohamed Salah penalty, but all the plaudits go to Curtis Jones, whose fine drive into the box forced Chelsea into conceding the penalty. Chelsea levelled through Nicolas Jackson in the second half, but Liverpool were soon back in front—Jones again involved, finishing off Salah's sublime cross just 76 seconds after Chelsea's goal.
Resilient Reds Hold On
Though this was far from the tightest form which Liverpool was capable of showing up to, the two teams showed commendable resilience and composure. The defence had stability with the tight formations maintained by Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson; Salah and Jones kept the attack sharp.
Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper & Defense
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Caoimhin Kelleher (6.5/10):
Chelsea looked threatening but didn't test Kelleher too often. He couldn't be blamed for Jackson’s goal. -
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):
Not his usual self in attack, but a strong defensive showing. Made crucial tackles and kept Sancho in check. -
Ibrahima Konate (5.5/10):
Defended well overall but was responsible for playing Jackson onside for Chelsea's goal. -
Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
A composed performance from van Dijk, as always, leading the defense. -
Andy Robertson (7/10):
Like Alexander-Arnold, Robertson didn’t contribute much going forward but was solid defensively, particularly against Madueke.
Midfield
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Curtis Jones (8.5/10):
Jones justified his inclusion with an excellent display. He won the penalty for Liverpool's first goal and netted the second with a well-timed run. His pressing and work rate stood out. -
Ryan Gravenberch (6.5/10):
Quiet but effective, Gravenberch won possession consistently and distributed the ball well. -
Dominik Szoboszlai (5.5/10):
Full of effort but struggled with loose passing and offered little in attack.
Attack
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Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Salah was, as usual, the most decisive player on the pitch. He scored from the spot and set up the winning goal with a beautiful cross. -
Cody Gakpo (6/10):
Gakpo worked hard but didn’t create much danger in attack. -
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Had little time to make an impact before being forced off with an injury in the first half.
Subs & Manager
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Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Came on for the injured Jota and looked lively, creating chances. -
Luis Diaz (6.5/10):
Made a late substitute appearance and almost scored, showing his danger on the ball. -
Joe Gomez (N/A):
Came on late to help Liverpool defend their lead. -
Alexis Mac Allister (N/A):
Only played a few minutes after coming on as a late substitute. -
Arne Slot (7.5/10):
Liverpool’s new boss made some bold decisions, resting key players like Diaz and Mac Allister, but his choice to start Curtis Jones paid off. Slot is proving capable of leading a serious title charge.
Inputs by Agencies
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