Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
There’s been a bit of talk about Liverpool’s fine start to the 2024/25 season under their new manager, and doubts about their true ability to compete at the top of the table as a result of what many perceived as easier schedule early in the campaign than those of their rivals. The only so-called “big six” team they had faced before taking on Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday was Manchester United, and though they smashed Erik ten Hag’s side 0-3 at Old Trafford, United are hardly seen as tough opposition these days.
But with Chelsea showing excellent form in recent matches, this was supposed to be the game which would show a bit more clearly where either side is at the moment, and thanks to a Mohamed Salah penalty and a deft finish by Curtis Jones, Liverpool were victorious, despite Nicolas Jackson producing a fine finish of his own for Chelsea.
The teams
Top teams usually have large numbers of players absent for international breaks, and it’s no wonder that both managers chose to make a few changes to their starting lineups.
Alisson Becker was unavailable through injury for Liverpool, and Caoimhin Kelleher was called upon to stand between the posts. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate paired up in the heart of defence, flanked by Andy Robertson on the left and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right. Ryan Gravenberch played his usual role deep in midfield, partnered this time by Jones, with Alexis Mac Allister left on the bench. Dominik Szoboszlai was deployed further up, behind the attacking trio of Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo who started ahead of Luis Diaz on the left.
As for Chelsea, Robert Sanchez was in goal, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill as the centre-back pairing, Reece James on the right and Malo Gusto on the left. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia anchored the midfield, with Cole Palmer between wingers Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho, as Jackson led the line up front.
The game
Chelsea entered the contest as the better…
Source link : https://www.soccernews.com/liverpool-2-1-chelsea-talking-points-as-reds-keep-premier-league-top-spot-with-important-triumph/377381/
Author : Veselin Trajkovic
Publish date : 2024-10-21 11:44:00
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