Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea PLAYER RATINGS: Which Reds star didn't produce enough? Who rated highest at 8.5/10? And which new Blues signing was rightly taken off at half-time?

  • Liverpool cemented their status as title contenders with victory over Chelsea

Liverpool retained their place at the top the Premier League table by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield.

On a weekend in which Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the campaign, the Reds entered Sunday's clash with an opportunity to put more space between themselves and some of their title rivals.

After Levi Colwill clumsily brought down Curtis Jones inside the box, Mo Salah stepped up from twelve yards and lashed the ball beyond Robert Sanchez to put the hosts into the lead. 

Chelsea had failed to muster a shot on target in the first half but returned from the interval revitalised and equalised through Nicolas Jackson before Jones was on hand just minutes later to restore his side's advantage.

Mail Sport's JOE BERNSTEIN was present at the ground to offer his expert assessment of both teams' performance.

Liverpool maintained their place at the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea

Liverpool maintained their place at the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea

Mo Salah fired his side into the lead from the penalty spot in a dramatic first half at Anfield

Mo Salah fired his side into the lead from the penalty spot in a dramatic first half at Anfield

Chelsea equalised through Nicolas Jackson but Curtis Jones put the Reds back in front

Chelsea equalised through Nicolas Jackson but Curtis Jones put the Reds back in front 

Liverpool

CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 6.5

Alisson’s deputy has a habit of doing well against Chelsea. Though this wasn’t his busiest afternoon, commanded his penalty area well and saved from Palmer

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - 6

Handled Sancho overall but fortunate VAR didn’t check his challenge that caught the winger on the ankle inside the box. We didn’t see as much of his usual attacking self

VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 6.5

Leadership skills come to the fore in heavyweight contests like this. He’ll be sorely missed if this season proves his last dance at Anfield.

IBRAHIMA KONATE – 6

Popular figure on The Kop but his failure to step up and play offside allowed Jackson to grab equaliser at start of second half

Caoimhin Kelleher again proved a more than able deputy in the absence of the injured Alisson

Caoimhin Kelleher again proved a more than able deputy in the absence of the injured Alisson

In a heavyweight clash, Virgil van Dijk remains a key component of Liverpool's back line

In a heavyweight clash, Virgil van Dijk remains a key component of Liverpool's back line

ANDY ROBERTSON 5.5

On a day Anfield paid respects to another great Liverpool Scot, Peter Cormack, the current left-back was given an uncomfortable time by Madueke

RYAN GRAVENBERCH - 7

Fits the holding midfield position like a glove. Showed again how comfortable he is, taking passes on the half-turn and surging forward to begin attacks

CURTIS JONES – 8.5

A stand-out replacement for Alexis Mac Allister. Box-to-box display saw him win a penalty, score a decisive goal and deny Palmer with a brave block

MOHAMED SALAH - 7

At the heart of Liverpool’s big moments, as usual. Thumped in his penalty and set up Jones to retake the lead after Chelsea’s equaliser. A debit was his dive to try and win a spot-kick

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI – 5.5

Didn’t produce enough for a No10. One promising break was let down by a lame finish at Sanchez when set up by Gakpo. Potential currently greater than output.

In one of the most impressive performances of his Liverpool career, Curtis Jones ran the show

In one of the most impressive performances of his Liverpool career, Curtis Jones ran the show

The arrival of Arne Slot has provided Ryan Gravenberch with a new lease of life at Anfield

The arrival of Arne Slot has provided Ryan Gravenberch with a new lease of life at Anfield

Cody Gakpo was industrious both going forward and defensively for the Reds

Cody Gakpo was industrious both going forward and defensively for the Reds

CODY GAKPO - 7

His work-rate is a huge asset for Slot’s side. Impressive in the press which worried Sanchez. Also showed quality to set up Szoboszlai.

DIOGO JOTA – 5.5

Hurt his ribs after being clattered by Tosin early on and made way after half-an-hour having tried to soldier on. Failed to make an impact, but understandably.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Darwin Nunez (for Jota 30) 6.5 – Caused chaos as usual besides holding up the ball and helping his defence

Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 66) 6 – Provided width on the left and enjoyed the physical side

Mac Allister (for Jones 81)

Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 81)

MANAGER: ARNE SLOT – 7

Still top. A remarkable start to his career replacing a legend

Chelsea

ROBERT SANCHEZ - 6

Swirling wind played havoc with his kicking. Escaped conceding second Liverpool penalty when VAR ruled he touched ball before colliding with Jones.

REECE JAMES - 6

First appearance of the season for the Chelsea captain following hamstring problems. Maresca trusted him by putting him in the Anfield cauldron and he didn’t let anyone down.

TOSIN ADARABIOYO 5.5

Early caution for grabbing Jota on halfway line and must have been worried given Saliba’s red card on Saturday. Walked a tightrope thereafter and replaced early in second half.

Robert Sanchez was fortunate not to concede a penalty after colliding with Jones

Robert Sanchez was fortunate not to concede a penalty after colliding with Jones

In his first appearance of the campaign Reece James was dependable in the heart of defence

In his first appearance of the campaign Reece James was dependable in the heart of defence

LEVI COLWILL - 6

Incensed a penalty was given against him for a challenge on Jones which led to light contact. Looks more comfortable with Fofana alongside him in heart of defence.

MALO GUSTO - 6

Shifted to left-back to accommodate return of James. A mixed bag with some good forward runs, mixed in with wayward crossing. Happier when switched to the right.

MOISES CAICEDO – 7

Chose Chelsea over Liverpool and showed Anfield why he was so highly sought-after. Drove hard from midfield and produced slide-rule pass for Jackson’s goal.

ROMEO LAVIA – 6.5

Another former Liverpool target. Started ahead of Enzo Fernandez and gave Chelsea’s midfield legs, but still found it hard to stop Gravenberch dictating.

NONI MADUEKE - 7

A real threat down Chelsea’s right. Skinned Robertson on a couple of occasions. Fed Palmer for great chance to level at end of first half.

COLE PALMER - 6

Chelsea’s most famous Mancunian would have relished Anfield challenge but this was a nearly game for him. Curled chance over but also showed leadership qualities.

JADON SANCHO - 5.5

Might have earned a penalty for Alexander-Arnold’s foul, hurting his ankle, but otherwise did little else and it was no surprise he was replaced at the interval.

With his driving runs down the flank Noni Madueke served as a consistent threat for the Blues

With his driving runs down the flank Noni Madueke served as a consistent threat for the Blues

Cole Palmer failed to impact the game  in the way he has so frequently since joining Chelsea

Cole Palmer failed to impact the game  in the way he has so frequently since joining Chelsea

After a stuttering debut campaign, Nicolas Jackson is starting to demonstrate his quality

After a stuttering debut campaign, Nicolas Jackson is starting to demonstrate his quality

NICOLAS JACKSON – 6.5

A very different striker to last season. His finish from Caicedo’s pass was confident and though originally given offside, replays showed he’d timed his run perfectly

SUBSTITUTES

Pedro Neto (for Sancho 45) – 6 Didn’t capitalise on being given the full second half

Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia 53) – 5.5 Let’s just say there are better World Cup winners

Benoit Badiashile (for Adarabioyo 53) - 5.5 Will be glad to see back off Nunez

Renato Veiga (for James 53) 6 – At £12million is one of Chelsea’s bargains

Christopher Nkunku (for Madueke 76)

MANAGER – ENZO MARESCA – 6.5

What he’s done with this Chelsea side in less than three months is impressive