Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
Liverpool are back at the top of the Premier League, thanks to two superb goals early in the second half in a crunch clash against Champions League chasing Chelsea.
Sadio Mane and Mo Salah were on target again as the Reds moved two points ahead of Manchester City, though they have played a game more. But make no mistake; this was a huge result for Jurgen Klopp, his team and the city of Liverpool.
This home game against Chelsea was the Reds’ hardest fixture in the run in for Klopp’s title chasers, with only Wolves to face from the top half of the league table.
Before the game, the head coach dismissed all talk of Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea which handed the 2014 Premier League title to Manchester City, and he was determined his current crop of Reds would keep their feet, and their composure. Of all the weekend’s Premier League 2019 results there was no denying that, for Reds fans, Manchester City’s earlier win at Crystal Palace was a big one, and though Klopp insists other results don’t affect his players he can’t stop them affecting the crowd.
Throughout this pulsating race for the title the Premier League 2019 betting odds have always leaned towards Manchester and now it was over to Liverpool…and Klopp’s team stood firm.
Highlights of the game
The Reds lifted the home crowd with an early attack. Naby Keita released Mane on the wing and his cross was met by Salah who’s first time volley was saved by Kepa.
But the hosts knew they were in for a tough game. Eden Hazard was at his unplayable best against West Ham last week, scoring a candidate for goal of the season. And he weaved his way into the Liverpool box before cutting back onto his right foot and firing a shot into Alisson’s hands.
As Liverpool swept forward Jordan Henderson got on the end of a lofted ball to hit a sweet volley which was deflected behind for a corner, and then Willian had a good chance when Chelsea broke but fired well wide. Just before the break Mane missed the best chance of the half when Salah put him in but he curled his shot wide of the post.
At the beginning of an all action second half Liverpool turned the game on its head with a double strike in the space of three minutes. The first came after great work from Jordan Henderson who made his way to the bi-line and lifted a beautiful ball for Mane to convert at the back post and lift the roof off Anfield.
The home fans were still celebrating when the Reds hit a second; and it was an absolute beauty. Mo Salah picked the ball up around 30 yards out and cut inside onto his left foot before unleashing a rocket beyond Kepa and into the top corner.
But this Chelsea side didn’t roll over and had two excellent chances to hit back, both falling to Hazard. The first came when David Luiz lifted the ball over the Liverpool defence and Hazard brought it down expertly before firing it against the upright. Then Willian chipped another fine ball in to the Belgian but this time his first time effort was straight at Alisson.
Salah, clearly lifted by his goal, tried his luck again but Kepa saved. And as much as Chelsea pressed, as the minutes ticked by Klopp’s smile began to grow wider.
What a response to Manchester City!
Key statistics
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are now on 19 and 18 goals, and Alisson Becker has kept 17 clean sheets, but it was a superb team effort from the Reds to win this huge game.
Liverpool is unbeaten at Anfield in 38 league games and they have ended Chelsea’s four match winning run.
It’s the first time they have beaten Chelsea in seven home league games and the Blues have already won at Anfield in the Carabao Cup this season.
What’s next?
Liverpool has a Champions League second leg away to FC Porto to contend with next. They take a two goal lead to Portugal and should have enough to reach the semi-finals.
Then it’s back to the Premier league race and a trip to South Wales to take on Cardiff City. Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds are in desperate relegation trouble and fighting for their lives, so that won’t be easy.
The Blues have two home games, one in the Europa League against Slavia Prague and then, next Monday they entertain Burnley. The Clarets have won three on the bounce and won’t arrive in London with any fear.
There’s plenty more action to come and we’ll be right there with all our SBOBET news, tips and updates through every twist and turn in a tumultuous last few weeks.
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