Liverpool passes Chelsea test with Jones winner – FBC News

(Source: Reuters)

Curtis Jones struck Liverpool’s winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to keep Arne Slot’s side at the top of the Premier League table.

The 23-year-old’s first goal since January proved the difference in a thrilling battle as Liverpool won for the 10th time in 11 games in all competitions under new boss Slot.

Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 29th minute put the hosts ahead, but Chelsea leveled after the break when Nicolas Jackson was played through to score.

However, Chelsea did not stay level for long as midfielder Jones got on the end of Salah’s low cross to beat visiting keeper Robert Sanchez from close range.

It was never comfortable for Liverpool against a Chelsea side that came close to equalizing several times in a strong finish and ultimately conceded more attempts on goal.

But Slot’s side dug deep to pass their biggest test in the Premier League so far this season.

They have 21 points from eight games, one more than second-placed Manchester City, who previously defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1. Chelsea remained in sixth place with 14 points.

Liverpool’s transition to a new era under Juergen Klopp’s successor Slot has apparently been seamless, but a visit from Enzo Maresca’s lively Chelsea side was the first in a fiendish run of fixtures that continue at Arsenal next weekend.

They were under pressure for a long time and Chelsea will feel insulted for not taking a point back to London.

Maresca’s side showed their intent from the start with ambitious football and Jones did well to blast home Cole Palmer’s shot when he looked favorite to score.

But Liverpool took the lead when Jones was tripped in the penalty area by Levi Colwill and Salah punched away the penalty.

Liverpool were then awarded another penalty on the stroke of half-time after Sánchez clumsily brought down Jones, although a VAR check showed the keeper had made contact with the ball first.

Palmer fired over for Chelsea in first-half stoppage time, but the visitors were rewarded three minutes after the break when Moises’ pass deflected Caicedo Jackson and he slotted the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher before being marked offside before a VAR check ruled it out. Ibrahima Konate’s outstretched leg showed. had passed it on.

Chelsea were guilty of shutting them down, however, when the excellent Jones restored Liverpool’s lead three minutes later.