Liverpool continued their wonderful run in Premier League this season by winning 2-1 against Chelsea last Sunday, October 20, at Anfield. The Reds thus registered their seventh win in eight matches in the league. They continue to lead the league table with 21 points from eight matches, which is one more than Manchester City’s tally.
Salah and Jones Starred for Liverpool Against Chelsea
Both Salah and Jones scored either side of Nicolas Jackson’s equalizer to ensure three points for Arne Slot’s side. Chelsea was slightly the more dominant team in the initial stages of the match. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia dominated the proceedings in the midfield during the said period.
However, as Liverpool started playing long balls to Salah on the right flank and Jones started making darting forward runs into the Chelsea box, things changes for the home side. One such run from Jones earned Liverpool a penalty, which Salah converted to score his seventh goal of the season.
Jones then managed to earn another penalty, but it was overturned by VAR. Chelsea equalized through Jackson immediately after the break, but the Reds scored again as Salah’s wonderful cross was met by Jones, who scored with his second touch.
As Jones started playing as an advanced midfielder in Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation and ran frequently past Caicedo and Lavia, Liverpool started creating more chances. Szoboszlai stayed back mostly to contain the defensive threat posed by Cole Palmer.
Salah was not always allowed much space inside the Blues’ half, but the Egyptian winger’s ability to play accurate passes to his teammates even while he was being pressed by a Chelsea player, stood out.
Chelsea had Jadon Sancho replaced by Pedro Neto in the second half, and the latter infused some speed into the left flank. However, he switched to the right flank during the latter stages of the match, with Christopher Nkunku playing on the left. It took the sting away from Chelsea’s attacks.
Ryan Gravenberch gave good cover to Trent Alexander-Arnold against Sancho and Neto’s runs through the left. Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Núñez also contributed significantly to Liverpool’s defence in the second half, as the Reds hung on to a victory.
Liverpool has Key Matches Coming Up
Liverpool will play Arsenal in a pivotal match of Premier League next weekend. They will also take on Brighton & Hove Albion twice – once in the league and on another occasion at the EFL Cup – as well as facing Aston Villa in November.
All of the above might prove to be key matches for the Reds. Liverpool has proved to be Manchester City’s closest competitor during the last decade or so under Jürgen Klopp. Hence, the Reds will once again be striving to give Pep Guardiola’s men a run for their money.
In order to do that, Liverpool will require Salah to maintain his stupendous form. If the Egyptian is able to do that with his colleagues giving him good support, there is no reason why the Anfield faithful cannot dream of a 20th league title. It remains to be seen whether their dreams are realized at the end of the season.