A thrilling Friday night football saw Liverpool dominate Chelsea in all areas of the pitch – inspired by outstanding performances by Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates with Dejan Lovren after the game
In the battle of the animated sidelines, it was Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp who emerged with the three points, the fist pumps and the player hugs.
The 2-1 victory over Chelsea was emblematic of exactly what Liverpool aim to be these days; a fluid, innovative side who intelligently press and intensify every aspect of the game more than their opposition. Conversely, Chelsea are still searching for their so-called identity under new boss Antonio Conte and struggled throughout the encounter.
Chelsea’s Oscar in action with Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho
Worthy to note, however, that this was Conte’s first defeat as Chelsea manager – and the Italian’s first home defeat since January 2013. But for Chelsea supporters, perhaps it’s the manner in which they struggled last week against Swansea and failed to make any significant inroads at home against a Liverpool defence increasingly famed for it’s permeability, that may have alarm bells ringing at Stamford Bridge.
Here are five things to take away from the game…
Jordan Henderson is key to Jurgen Klopp’s strategy.
The much-maligned Jordan Henderson has been outstanding for Liverpool in the early parts of the season and his 36th-minute goal was a strike that Steven Gerrard, Henderson’s predecessor as captain, would be more than happy to claim as one of his own. Henderson’s traits as a footballer are crucial in Klopp’s tactical approach and the former Sunderland midfielder’s engine, work-ethic, passing ability and emerging composure are all invaluable in the centre of Liverpool’s heavy metal mentality.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their second goal
Dejan Lovren is beginning to justify his price tag.
Seen by many as Brendan Rodgers’ attempted replacement for Jamie Carragher, Dejan Lovren joined Liverpool for £20 million in the summer of 2014. After two years of struggle it appears that the Croatian centre back is finding his form and conviction this season. Lovren, alongside his new defensive partner Joel Matip, looked composed, committed and confident – particularly in aerial duels – and his movement and finish for the opening goal was comparable to any forward on the pitch. In a market where David Luiz is valued at £32 million, Lovren appears to be finally justifying his outlay.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren scores their first goal
Mr. Reliable lives up to his name.
Clearly not a natural left-back but Mr. Reliable, a.k.a. James Milner, coped admirably against the similarly industrial Willian. Klopp’s perceived failure to find a replacement for the erratic Alberto Moreno, despite three transfer windows, remains a concern for Liverpool fans.
Liverpool’s James Milner clears
However, Milner’s work-ethic, selflessness, discipline and technique enable him to be a very effective stop-gap. The flexibility of the Yorkshireman helped Liverpool contain Chelsea’s right-hand side duo of Willian and Branislav Ivanovic through to the 93rd minute.
Costa is a Chelsea positive.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa scores their first goal
The early season return to form of Diego Costa will be a huge plus for Chelsea, who seems to have put last year’s debacle behind him. Despite Matip and Lovren’s impressive partnership, it was Costa who looked like Chelsea’s main attacking threat. The scorer of Chelsea’s goal, Costa’s energy and enthusiasm for the game was clear to see – his strike making it five for the season thus far.
Antonio Conte needs to adapt or revert to familiarity.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Not only were Chelsea out fought but they were out thought by a Liverpool side who are tactically flexible and aware. Chelsea seemed to be rigid in their 4-2-3-1 system and Klopp’s fluid 4-3-3 caused Conte’s men no end of problems. The Chelsea manager needs to fine-tune his set-up, particularly his back four, as both Liverpool goals stemmed from poor Chelsea defensive organisation. Could this performance, in combination with the return of John Terry, act as the catalyst to what many believe is Conte’s preference for introducing a back three?
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