Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Player Ratings – Liverpool FC

Liverpool returned from the break with another home win and started a difficult run of games, with a 2-1 win over Chelsea thanks to a brilliant performance from Curtis Jones.

Liverpool – Chelsea 2-1

Premier League (8) | Anfield
October 20, 2024

Goals: Salah Pen 29′, Jones 51′; Jackson 47′

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Caoimhin Kelleher – 7 (out of 10)

Despite Chelsea having the ball outside our penalty area for much of the first half, Kelleher wasn't too bothersome – his best intervention was a strong and timely strike from a cross that had the offside flag flying anyway.

The flag was up when he too was beaten straight after the restart, but this time it was wrong, with the Irishman being beaten with his first shot on goal.

He then collected a few low crosses and attempts and his kicking was consistently good.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7

Defended very well against Jadon Sancho one-on-one in the first half, so the Englishman was substituted at half-time. Did just as well against Pedro Neto, who replaced Sancho.

On the other hand, Trent was perhaps a little lacking this time, as some of his passes lacked accuracy or industry – a left-footed pass down the wing was particularly poor.

Ibrahima Konate – 7

Konate was the one who played alongside Nicolas Jackson, with one leg outstretched, meaning Chelsea were free to attack and equalize, although it can't really be his 'fault'.

Otherwise, Konate was generally excellent, without really having to make too many interventions in the first hour, just doing his job by clearing spaces, closing them off and playing them out when possible.

A late slip-up saw him booked for a foul on the sideline.

Virgil van Dijk – 8

Great aerial defense in the first half to keep out numerous Chelsea set pieces, but it was a confusing turn and attempt to close down spaces on the wrong side when Jackson ran through after the restart and scored the equaliser.

Aside from that mistake, Van Dijk didn't do much wrong, often being in the right place to make simple, small saves on through ball attempts.

Andy Robertson – 7

He lost in his first two meetings against Noni Madueke, which looked worrying, but fought back and won the next ones with an important slide in the penalty area.

After that he was a little more stable and although we rarely saw him come forward, Robertson didn't make any mistakes when in possession.

Huge, huge, huge late block.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8

It was a quieter game for the Dutch midfielder than some have seen recently, but he still showed some really good defensive moments and pushed the ball forward to good effect.

Deliberately frustrated Chelsea a few times – basically a good performance in defensive midfield.

Curtis Jones – 9 – Man of the Match

Had an excellent start by all accounts, showing tremendous strength and control to evade Chelsea attackers, winning a big challenge in our penalty area and winning a penalty at the other end.

The only slight disappointment was a momentary hesitation, a so-called dummy, which meant that his through ball, which could have made it 2-0, ended up offside.

He probably should have scored soon after when he was instead brought down for another penalty – which was then overturned by VAR – but made up for it with a great run and a brave finish that scored immediately after Chelsea's goal .

Also played an important role in keeping Cole Palmer calm, often blocking Chelsea's dangerous player when the away team had the ball.

To win a spot on this team he has to be outstanding, and that's exactly what he was.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Lots of energy and running in the channel, often without the reward of receiving the pass in the final third.

Made some really good turnovers to keep Chelsea's pressing at bay and also showed a great first touch to get free in the presence of Salah and Trent.

Mohamed Salah – 9

Heavily involved with a series of passes from deep and runs to Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill – the latter particularly troubled by him and wasting the penalty that Salah rattled in.

Even though he didn't have many more chances of his own, some of his transitions and through balls were incredible – a creative, mesmerizing display that Chelsea simply couldn't cope with.

His assist for Jones' goal was the best example of this.

Diogo Jota – 6

He barely had a chance to join in as he was thrown to the ground by Tosin Adarabioyo, who luckily didn't see the red card.

Jota tried to carry on but it was clear he was hampered by the heavy fall and he was eventually substituted before the half hour mark.

Cody Gakpo – 7

He was a surprise starter ahead of Luis Diaz, but performed well on the left and, thanks to his many good runs, he was an outlet for the counterattack.

He made it 2-0 when Salah had been offside a pass earlier, and fired another shot wide in the second half.

Not his most exciting game, but a really strong performance against a big team – exactly what was required.

Substitute

Darwin Nunez (for Jota, 29') – 8

Received an unexpectedly early decision and seemed very tense this time: good feel for the ball, hold-up game and running.

A hard-working performance, but one that was booked for a few unnecessary fouls within a minute of the second half.

Luis Diaz (for Gakpo, 65′) – 6

A few runs down the wing but nothing spectacular. A late run and a shot far and wide.

Alexis Mac Allister (for Jones, 81′) – 6

I'm sick during the week but no doubt it'll be fine for the big games next week. Booked.

Joe Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold, 81′) – 6

Right-back for the last 10. Made a few good tackles.

Substitutes not used: Jaros, Quansah, Tsimikas, Morton, Endo

Arne Slot – 8

The first positive of the day: A much more positive start to the game from the Reds as Slot looks to shake the habit of disappointing openings that leave them sluggish, uninspired or completely behind.

However, the boss was upset more than once at the beginning; First when Jota was fouled on the breakaway, and then when Salah didn't get a penalty – the latter saw a yellow card.

He was spoken to by the fourth official and then kept his composure until the final seconds – another poor decision against Nunez – in an at times tumultuous game, but in fairness it's nice to see the normally calm boss getting angry on behalf of his team – although not nearly as good as seeing him come up with another game-winning game plan.

Good use of substitutes, maintaining pressure and ability to control the game at stages and most importantly top the table.