Chelsea went down 2-1 against a disciplined Liverpool at Stamford Bridge as they suffered their first defeat under boss Antonio Conte.
Liverpool move into the top four of the Premier League as a result of this well-deserved Friday night victory.
Jurgen Klopp’s players continued their fine early season form against a Chelsea side who rarely threatened to impact on Roman Abramovic’s 250th home game as owner.
We assess how each Reds player performed in the win.
GK – Simon Mignolet (7/10)
Largely untroubled until Chelsea’s late pressure, Mignolet looked assured and commanding with high balls. Famed for inconsistencies, the Belgian shot-stopper had one of his better performances against a misfiring Chelsea attack.
RB – Nathaniel Clyne (6/10)
Clyne’s forward thinking game was on show from the early stages and he provided width and balance throughout the game, albeit with a disappointing end product. Caught ahead of the play on too many occasions and looked defensively vulnerable in the second half.
CB – Joel Matip (7/10)
The free-transfer summer signing from Schalke has begun his Liverpool career in impressive manner. The tall Cameroon international’s performance was calm, composed and dominant in the air. Matip’s emerging partnership with Dejan Lovren will please manger Jurgen Klopp.
CB – Dejan Lovren (9/10)
Lovren defended tenaciously with head and foot for all 93 minutes. Returning to the line-up with a significant black eye, Lovren scored the game’s opening goal and alongside Jordan Henderson was Liverpool’s best player. Beginning to justify Brendan Rodgers’ £20 million outlay.
LB – James Milner (7/10)
Clearly not a left-back but Mr. Reliable coped admirably against the similarly industrious Willian. Klopp’s failure to find a replacement for the erratic Alberto Moreno, despite three transfer windows, remains a concern. Against a more cohesive attack Milner may struggle.
CM – Jordan Henderson (8/10)
Henderson’s positional sense, passing ability and composure on the ball is constantly improving under the tutelage of Klopp. The midfielder’s usual work rate and energy was a constant throughout the game and Henderson’s superb goal in the 36th minute were clear factors that made him one of Liverpool’s key men.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10)
Wijnaldum is famed for his home form in English football. Unfortunately for the Dutchman this was an away fixture in which the game passed him by. Deployed as a wide forward at previous club Newcastle, Wijnaldum is yet to convince as a deep-lying central midfielder. Tactically replaced by Kevin Stewart in added on time.
CM – Adam Lallana (7/10)
Not the goalscoring Lallana of recent games but the former Southampton midfielder spent his time working tirelessly in a central position in his usual tidy and creative manner. Poor defending on Diego Costa’s goal, as Lallana went to ground far too soon.
FW – Sadio Mane (7/10)
Liverpool’s record signing started brightly with pace and direct runs from deep in the first half. However, Mane spent the majority of the second period tracking back to provide Nathaniel Clyne with some defensive cover against Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta.
FW – Philippe Coutinho (7/10)
The Brazilian was recalled to the starting line-up due in part to his recent international exploits and illness to recent form-man Roberto Firmino. Coutinho’s seamless return saw the little magician constantly probe and scheme in and around Chelsea’s midfield. Tired in the closing stages before being replaced by Lucas.
FW – Daniel Sturridge (6/10)
Sturridge may well be disappointed with his output against his former club, despite a promising start to the game which saw the forward link up effectively with the likes of Mane, Lallana and Coutinho. Replaced by the energetic Divock Origi (6/10) in the 56th minute.
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