Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield in a tense Premier League encounter defined by clinical finishing, VAR drama, and a flurry of yellow cards.
Softfootball gathered, Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones delivered the goals that ensured Arne Slot’s side secured an important three points, despite stubborn Chelsea pressure.
The match opened at a frantic pace, with Tosin Adarabioyo booked inside six minutes before Liverpool were denied a penalty following an early VAR review.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Mohamed Salah converted from the spot after Noni Madueke’s foul, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Moments later, Darwin Núñez entered the fray for the injured Diogo Jota, immediately adding intensity to Liverpool’s attack.
Chelsea pushed back before the break and saw their own penalty claim dismissed after another VAR check, keeping Liverpool 1–0 ahead at halftime. Their response arrived swiftly in the second half as Nicolas Jackson clinically finished from Moisés Caicedo’s pass to level the match at 1–1 after a VAR-confirmed goal.
Liverpool struck back almost instantly. Just two minutes later, Curtis Jones buried a composed finish from Mohamed Salah’s pass, restoring the home side’s lead and reigniting the Anfield crowd.
Enzo Maresca rolled out a wave of substitutions to chase the game, including Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, and Christopher Nkunku, but Liverpool’s defense — marshalled by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté — held firm. Slot introduced Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Joe Gomez as the Reds focused on controlling the closing stages.
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Yellow cards piled up late, with Alexis Mac Allister, Konaté, and Núñez all booked for Liverpool, while Chelsea’s Renato Veiga also entered the referee’s notebook. Darwin Núñez exchanged words with referee John Brooks after the final whistle, summing up the intensity of the evening.
Despite Chelsea having more possession and more total shots, Liverpool’s efficiency and defensive composure proved decisive as they extended their strong home form. The win keeps Arne Slot’s side firmly in the Premier League chase, while Chelsea’s inconsistency continues to haunt their campaign.
