Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield this afternoon saw them continue their remarkable start to life under Arne Slot, as they remain top of the Premier League.
It was an impressive victory over a well-drilled Chelsea side who brought the game to Liverpool at times with their vast array of attacking options.
While many will have considered Liverpool’s successful opening to the season to be a false dawn because of the quality of opposition the Reds had faced. But having dispatched Chelsea this afternoon, opinions are beginning to change.
Konate’s 100th appearance for the club
While still just 25 years old, Konate has excelled at Liverpool so far, slotting in beside Virgil Van Dijk seamlessly.
And while he was unable to keep a seventh clean sheet in all competitions today, he worked tirelessly to keep Chelsea limited in their attacks.
On the brink of signing a new contract for the Reds, Konate continued his personal bright form this season, showing why Arne Slot values him so highly as Liverpool’s second centre-back.
Tosin gets away without a red card
Just six minutes into the game, Liverpool felt convinced their opposition would be reduced down to 10-men for almost the entirety of the game.
Looking dead-set to latch onto a ball over the top, Diogo Jota was pulled down by Tosin Adarabioyo on the halfway line in a cynical foul.
However, referee John Brooks decided against sending off the Chelsea defender, opting instead for a yellow card, which VAR agreed with.
It comes after Arsenal fans were left dismayed when William Saliba was sent off for a similar challenge – which leaves him out of contention for Arsenal’s visit to Anfield next week – although that instance was widely agreed as a correct decision.
The general consensus on the decision surrounded the distance from the goal and the covering Chelsea defender, bringing into doubt whether it was a clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.
Fans have been split on the instance, with Liverpool fans in particular feeling most aggrieved at the lack of consistency.
Fans hold up ‘Save Zoe’s place’ banner
The palliative and end-of-life hospice for children and babies in Liverpool announced earlier this week that it would be closing its doors permanently.
The charities’ lease for their property is set to end this year and it has run out of time to find sufficient funds to find a new property to host the work they do.
However, the announcement has since brought widespread support for fundraising, with the club donating £150,000 to the cause and club legend Steven Gerrard reaching out with a heartfelt message.
Prior to kick-off against Chelsea, fans held up a banner in the Kop which read ‘Save Zoe’s place’, in an effort to encourage further donations to the cause.
It is hoped that with Christmas on the horizon, the charity will receive enough donations to keep their doors open, at a time when families need it most.
Salah creating further goalscoring history
On his 271st Premier League appearance for the Reds, Salah calmly dispatched the penalty won by Curtis Jones for the game’s opening goal.
And while it was yet another goal against the traditional ‘big 6’, he also etched himself into further Premier League history – now sitting level with Jermaine Defoe on 162 goals.
He is joint-ninth in the list, just one goal away from rising to joint-eighth alongside Robbie Fowler.
After that, the Egyptian will be setting his sights on Thierry Henry, to become the undisputed most prolific winger in the Premier League era.
Robert Sanchez’s horrorshow in goal for Chelsea
When Virgil Van Dijk had a shot at Chelsea’s goal from a free-kick just minutes into the game, Liverpool’s approach was clear as day for all to see.
Sanchez has been heavily criticised in recent weeks for his goalkeeping form, and things did not improve today.
When Jones was fouled by Levi Colwill for a penalty in the first half, Sanchez was sent the wrong way by Salah who enabled Liverpool to take the lead.
Quickly after, Liverpool had another penalty shout, this time ruled off by VAR when Sanchez clattered in to Jones, resulting in the Scouse midfielder rather dramatically flipping over the keeper.
But a slight touch from Sanchez meant that the instance was not deemed a foul and subsequently, the game moved on.
Liverpool continued to pepper the Chelsea back-line, eventually finding a winning goal and Sanchez will have yet more demons to battle when he next takes to the pitch – it is four games since Chelsea managed to keep a clean sheet – conceding seven goals in that time.
