Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea: Curtis Jones shows his class and Mohamed Salah shines yet again as Arne Slot’s side pass big test to stay top of the Premier League

A game against in-form and free-scoring Chelsea represented the first serious test of Liverpool’s Premier League title credentials. They passed it with flying colours, with the Reds battling their way to a 2-1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s men on Sunday.

Unsurprisingly, Mohamed Salah was decisive, scoring one goal and creating another, but Curtis Jones was the star of the show. It was Liverpool’s homegrown hero who won the penalty from which Salah broke the deadlock after 29 minutes – arguably against the run of play. And it was Jones who put the home side back ahead just 76 seconds after Chelsea had equalised through Nicolas Jackson early in the second half.

Liverpool were by no means at their best, but they showed impressive resilience, composure and spirit to claim a win that puts them back on top of the Premier League table, one point clear of reigning champions Manchester City.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show at Anfield as Arne Slot made it 10 wins from his first 11 games in charge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Caoimhin Kelleher (6.5/10):

  Although Chelsea were a constant threat, the Irishman wasn’t actually called into action that much and can’t be faulted for Jackson’s goal.

  Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

  Nowhere near as influential going forward as usual and his passing was unusually poor at times, but credit where it’s due: his much-maligned defensive game was impressive. Made – and won – plenty of tackles and completely nullified Sancho, who was hauled off at half-time.

  Ibrahima Konate (5.5/10):

  Defended well for the most part but he has to take the blame for Chelsea’s equaliser, with Konate’s trailing leg playing Jackson onside.

  Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

  As usual, never really looked ruffled and was characteristically assured in possession.

  Andy Robertson (7/10):

  Just like fellow full-back Alexander-Arnold, didn’t get forward much but did a fine job in keeping Madueke quiet and made a huge block in the dying seconds.

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    Midfield

    Curtis Jones (8.5/10):

    Fully justified his inclusion with an outstanding display. Once again led the press and was involved in both goals, winning the penalty with a terrific surge into the area – seconds after a superb challenge at the other end of the field – before then slotting home Salah’s pass after another brilliantly-timed run.

    Ryan Gravenberch (6.5/10):

    Unspectacular but solid. Won the ball regularly and used it well.

    Dominik Szoboszlai (5.5/10):

    Can’t fault his work-rate but was loose in possession and didn’t really offer much going forward.
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    Attack

    Mohamed Salah (8/10):

    The most decisive forward in the Premier League? It’s just impossible to keep Salah quiet. He opened the scoring here with an emphatic penalty and then set Jones for Liverpool’s second with a sublime cross.

    Cody Gakpo (6/10):

    Got the nod on the left flank ahead of Diaz, but while he was full of running, he wasn’t particularly incisive.

    Diogo Jota (6/10):

    Had barely been involved before being forced off inside half an hour with an injury sustained while being wrestled to the ground by Tosin, who was booked.

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    Subs & Manager

    Darwin Nunez (6/10):

    Took over up front from the injured Jota and put himself about, creating a few openings too.

    Luis Diaz (6.5/10):

    Started on the bench after his exertions during the international break with Colombia but came on for the final quarter of the game and nearly scored late on.

    Joe Gomez (N/A):

    Replaced Alexander-Arnold late on as Liverpool looked to shut up shop.

    Alexis Mac Allister (N/A):

    Like Diaz, dropped to the bench after international duty with Argentina, so only saw a few minutes at the end of the game.

    Arne Slot (7.5/10):

    Felt compelled to leave Diaz and Mac Allister on the bench but still managed to win the game, with his inclusion of Jones paying off spectacularly. Another impressive showing from Jurgen Klopp’s successor, who really does look like he might be able to mastermind a serious title challenge.