Liverpool overcome Chelsea to stay top of the Premier League

Liverpool remain top of the Premier League after Week 8 with an important victory against Chelsea. Curtis Jones was the hero, bagging the winner in the 51st minute, minutes after Nicolas Jackson’s 48th-minute equalizer restored the Blues’ hopes at Anfield. Arne Slot’s men needed the win after rivals Manchester City won in a heated contest with Wolves and was temporarily top of the league table.
The win was their 10th from 11 encounters this season, and arguably their toughest so far. Slot himself admitted his team had had an easy schedule before the fixture with Chelsea. But the win against Chelsea is proof that the Reds can earn points against any team in the league. Coming into the game without injured Alisson Becker in goal, Liverpool depended on Caoimhin Kelleher who put up a solid performance behind a defence that was just as solid.
Chelsea gave a tough fight, despite Liverpool’s early charge which saw Mohammed Salah almost earning a penalty as he struck Levi Colwill’s arm with the ball outside the penalty area. Chelsea got another scare when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez kicked the ball at Cody Gakpo. However, he recovered just in time and the Blues soon settled into the game, keeping possession of the ball for sustained periods.
Notwithstanding, Liverpool drew the first blood when they quickly transitioned from defence into attack just before the half-hour mark. A Cole Palmer shot was blocked by Jones to start the Liverpool attack which ended in a foul by Colwill on Jones in the penalty box. A penalty was given by referee John Brooks and Salah did justice with the spot kick.
The Reds could have gotten another penalty when Jones went down from a collision with Sanchez. The penalty, initially given, was however reversed after a VAR review.
Jackson levelled matters moments into the second half with an assist from Moises Caicedo. It took VAR’s intervention for the goal to stand after Jackson was initially flagged for offside.
The Reds were soon back on top as Jones connected to a low ball from Salah at the back post to restore Liverpool’s lead. Chelsea’s subsequent efforts to score another goal proved abortive as they wasted chance after chance and Liverpool defended sturdily.