Liverpool regained the Premier League’s top spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, showcasing their title credentials under new manager Arne Slot.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty and a decisive strike from Curtis Jones secured the win, making it 10 victories in 11 matches since Slot took over. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson briefly equalised in the second half, but the London club suffered their first league loss since an opening weekend defeat to Manchester City.
With this victory, Liverpool move one point ahead of City and extend their lead over Arsenal to four points ahead of their clash at the Emirates next weekend. Meanwhile, Chelsea now sit in sixth place, seven points off the summit. Despite the defeat, the Blues showed promise, pushing Liverpool to their limits.
Slot’s only loss since joining Liverpool was against Nottingham Forest after September’s international break. This time, he rested his South American players—Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez—following their recent international commitments. His decision to start Jones paid off as the young England midfielder won Liverpool’s penalty and netted the crucial goal.
Chelsea had an early let-off when Tosin Adarabioyo pulled down Diogo Jota just six minutes in. The foul echoed William Saliba’s red card for Arsenal the previous day, but Adarabioyo escaped with only a warning.
Chelsea then grew into the game, dominating possession and pushing Liverpool back. However, Liverpool’s quick counter-attacks remained a constant threat, and they eventually capitalised when Salah set up Jones, who was fouled by Levi Colwill. Salah converted the penalty, marking his 10th goal against his former club.
Cody Gakpo had the ball in the net shortly after, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Chelsea responded when Jackson rattled the post, signalling their intent.
Just before the break, Jones went down under a challenge from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and referee John Brooks initially awarded another penalty. However, VAR overturned the decision after showing that Sanchez got a touch on the ball.
Early in the second half, Jackson equalised for Chelsea, slotting past Caoimhin Kelleher after latching onto a pass from Moises Caicedo. Initially flagged for offside, VAR confirmed he was onside.
Liverpool quickly restored their lead when Jones timed his run perfectly to flick in Salah’s cross, securing his second goal of the match.
Chelsea pressed hard for an equaliser in the final 40 minutes but struggled to create clear chances until the seven minutes of stoppage time. Renato Vega headed over from Cole Palmer’s free-kick, and Christopher Nkunku missed a final opportunity to connect with Pedro Neto’s cross.