Liverpool player ratings as Curtis Jones outstanding and team-mate puts in big shift vs Chelsea
Liverpool remained a point clear at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-earned victory at home to fellow title contenders Chelsea. Curtis Jones scored the winner having won a first-half penalty from which Mohamed Salah scored, with Nicolas Jackson equalising for the visitors shortly after half-time.
The result means Arne Slot has now won 10 of his first 11 games in charge after an engrossing Sunday afternoon at Anfield.
And the ECHO was in attendance at Anfield to run the rule over Liverpool's players.
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Caoimhin Kelleher 7
Took his time when the ball was at his feet and didn’t have save of note to make until the hour. No chance with Chelsea leveller.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Defended diligently up against Sancho and later Neto although forward forays were limited as a consequence. Subbed.
Ibrahima Konate 7
Some good clearing headers as Chelsea threatened in opening quarter but played Jackson onside for equaliser. Resumed solid service after that. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Stepped out of defence occasionally during opening stages but Chelsea largely kept game away from him. Aerial presence important at set-pieces.
Andy Robertson 6
Didn’t have an easy time early on up against Madueke and rare opportunity to attack. More than held his own as Chelsea pressed second half. Booked.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Very quiet for long periods during the first half but used ball well in possession. Found it a bit harder to plug gaps in midfield than of late but strong finish.
Curtis Jones 9
Easily Liverpool’s best player with his tenacity, drive and ingenuity from midfield. Won one penalty, had another chalked off and tucked away second impressively. Excellent. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 8
Enjoyed the physical challenge up against Gusto and later Veiga, got in good positions some and converted penalty confidently before assisting second after break. Put in big shift defensively, too.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Took a while to make an impact but started prospering when running from deep and one shot at Sanchez. Far too hesitant at times. Booked.
Cody Gakpo 6
Wasn’t able to full expose James’ possible lack of match sharpness but pressing bothered Chelsea. Subbed.
Diogo Jota 6
Clobbered by Tosin early on that earned the Chelsea man a controversial booking and struggled after that. Subbed.
Darwin Nunez (for Jota 31) 7
Instantly involved with some neat touches and good passes, and took the fight to Chelsea. Booked.
Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 66) 6
A couple of strong sprints but pretty quiet until close with late shot.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Jones 81) 6
Ran around and kicked a few players. Booked.
Joe Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 81) 7
Brought on for extra defensive solidity at right-back.