Benitez analyses 'fantastic' Jones performance

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Anfield

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea at Anfield as manager Arne Slot's outstanding start continued.

The Dutchman is the first Liverpool boss to win 10 of his first 11 games, this latest triumph sending them a point clear of Manchester City following their dramatic stoppage-time victory at Wolves earlier.

Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead from the spot after 29 minutes following Levi Colwill’s foul on Curtis Jones, though a second penalty awarded on the stroke of half-time for Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's block on the same player was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR) after initially being awarded by referee John Brooks.

Chelsea took advantage of that VAR reprieve to equalise three minutes after the break, Nicolas Jackson racing clear to score, the goal awarded after being ruled out for offside.

Liverpool took only three minutes to restore their lead, Jones stealing in at the far post to steer Salah's cross past a hesitant Sanchez in front of a joyous Kop.

It mean Slot's only loss since succeeding Jurgen Klopp was to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September, while this was Chelsea's first league defeat under new manager Enzo Maresca since the opening-weekend home reverse against Manchester City.

Measured Liverpool's roll continues

Slot praises Liverpool's 'incredible work-rate'

Liverpool are a more ordered side under Slot, more measured than the all-out 'heavy metal' football of his illustrious predecessor Klopp who swept up silverware before leaving Anfield at the end of last season.

What has not changed is the success, with what has been regarded as a good start tempered by cautious messaging about the standard of opposition beaten - now rebadged as an excellent one after victory over an improving Chelsea side.

This win was workmanlike, but another three points is what mattered, especially as Manchester City applied pressure after the theatre and controversy of their last-gasp win at Wolves.

Salah had one of his quieter games, yet set Liverpool on their way from spot and carved out a brilliant assist for Curtis Jones' winner.

It was a goal Jones deserved for a lively performance, which earned one penalty and only had another denied by VAR.

Liverpool survived a couple of anxious moments near the end, and an early injury which meant Diogo Jota was replaced by Darwin Nunez provided the one cloud, but this result and performance is the perfect platform for next Sunday's visit to Premier League title rivals Arsenal.

Chelsea's Liverpool hoodoo continues

Chelsea's performance best this season despite Liverpool loss - Maresca

Chelsea are now winless in ten matches against Liverpool, including losses in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup final in 2022 on penalties, along with a Wembley defeat in extra time last season.

This was another tale of Chelsea disappointment at Anfield.

Maresca's side are undoubtedly on the up and the manager will be satisfied with many aspects of this performance, especially an outstanding individual display by midfielder Moises Caicedo, but Chelsea lacked punch to go with their possession.

And Maresca will be especially frustrated Chelsea conceded the winner to Jones so soon after equalising after half-time, allowing Liverpool to wrest back control after Jackson's equaliser.

Cole Palmer drifted in and out of the game, curling one first-half chance narrowly over and seeing a second-half free-kick blocked from a good position, but this was not one of his more effective performances.

Chelsea hinted at their recent improvement with periods of calm control on the ball, especially in the early phases when they managed to quieten the Anfield atmosphere, but in the end it was the same old story as Liverpool emerged victorious.

Getty Images

Mohamed Salah celebrates putting Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot against Chelsea at Anfield

Player of the match

C. Jones
7.98
17 C. Jones
7.98
11 Mohamed Salah
7.53
4 V. van Dijk
7.22
38 R. Gravenberch
7.20
66 T. Alexander-Arnold
6.88
5 I. Konaté
6.88
7 L. Díaz
6.86
26 A. Robertson
6.84
62 C. Kelleher
6.81
18 C. Gakpo
6.72
9 D. Núñez
6.70
2 J. Gomez
6.67
10 A. Mac Allister
6.54
8 D. Szoboszlai
6.53
20 Diogo Jota
6.50
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